McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University's Lauren Huber has been named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Woman of the Year. The announcement was made by the league office on June 30, recognizing Huber's achievements in women's basketball and track and field.

The CCIW Women's Student-Athlete of the Year award is given to senior female athletes who excel in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. The selection process involves nominations and votes from the CCIW's Senior Women Administrators and Faculty Athletics Representatives.

Huber is the 14th student from Illinois Wesleyan to receive this honor, following Lexi Onsrud in 2024. She is also notable for being the first dual-sport athlete to win since North Park's Esther Miller in 2023, making her the fifth multi-sport student-athlete to achieve this distinction.

In basketball, Huber earned All-America honors from both the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and D3hoops.com. She led her team with an average of 15 points per game and topped rebounds with 7.8 per contest. Her career concluded with a record-breaking 1,700 points. Additionally, she was a finalist for the Jostens Trophy.

Returning to track after winning an individual title as a freshman, Huber secured All-CCIW honors in multiple events including the heptathlon at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships where she placed fourth. Her performance ranked second-highest in program history.

Academically, Huber graduated with a degree in biology and received several accolades including College Sports Communicators First Team Academic All-America honors in basketball. She also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and served as a General Biology Lab Preparator.

Beyond sports, Huber actively participated in community service through various roles such as youth basketball camp counselor and member of different organizations like UNICEF and Salvation Army. She held leadership positions within Illinois Wesleyan's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Huber's nomination will now proceed to the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee which will announce finalists at their convention in January.