McLean County Times

Illinois State University's gymnastics team has been ranked 17th in the nation for cumulative team grade point average, achieving a 3.7524 GPA for the 2024-25 academic year. The ranking is based on data submitted to the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA).

Nineteen current and former Redbird student-athletes were named Scholastic All-America team members by the WCGA, representing 90 percent of the Illinois State roster. Those recognized include Madyson Baucom, Jada Beswick, Elli Brownfield, Leah Davis, Mackenzie Flutman, Reese Grolla, Abbey Harris, Julia Heiner, Audrey Hiatt, Jaly Jones, Alana Laster, Ally Lau, Jaye Mack, Mia Oh, Savannah Ray, Mya Robinson, Sara Wabi, Sammie Wolff and Joy Ziegenfelder. Each of these athletes posted GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

Nationally this year, a record 1,218 student-athletes earned a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale according to the WCGA's latest report. This figure represents nearly 77 percent of all reporting collegiate gymnasts and marks the highest number and percentage since records began in 2008. Additionally, more than 300 student-athletes achieved perfect GPAs.

The average GPA among all collegiate gymnasts this year was recorded at 3.6558—the highest since available records from 2015—and 69 institutions reported a team GPA of at least 3.5.

Chair of the WCGA Board of Directors Casey Jo MacPherson said: "Women's collegiate gymnasts embody everything that is great about collegiate athletics. Their ability to excel in the classroom while performing at the highest levels of athletic competition is nothing short of inspiring," MacPherson said. "These young women are the epitome of the student-athlete ideal, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all they do. We are proud to honor these outstanding teams and individuals for their continued efforts and success in the classroom."

The Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association is an organization representing intercollegiate women's gymnastics coaches across NCAA Divisions I-III as well as NAIA programs.

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