July 11, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
So much of the success of Illinois State Athletics can be attributed to the loyalty and passion of Redbird fans. They fill the stands, both on the Illinois State campus and on the road, to cheer loud and hard for their Redbirds. Janyth Aellig's love of Illinois State led to the creation of an endowed scholarship in her memory. Redbird women's basketball senior guard Ashley Sandstead has been named the recipient of the 2008 Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship.
Sandstead is the sixth recipient of the endowment and the third women's basketball player.
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ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS |
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ISU head coach Robin Pingeton selected Sandstead for the scholarship because of the passion she brings to the game, her academic pursuits and her everyday life. Sandstead was one of Pingeton's first recruits at ISU and is the perfect recipient for a scholarship in honor of a Redbird fan.
"Ashley Sandstead is a fan favorite," said Pingeton. "I believe that our fans truly appreciate her fierce competitive spirit, intensity, passion, and charisma. She brings so much energy to the floor. She is an excellent student and the kind of person who deserves an endowed scholarship."
The Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship is named in honor of avid Redbird women's basketball and volleyball fan. Jan, and her husband, Fred, had several seasons where they attended every Redbird contest - home and away - in both sports. When Jan passed away in 1997, Fred and a group of more than 50 friends and family members began the endowment. It is awarded annually to a deserving volleyball and women's basketball student-athlete.
Sandstead enters her fifth season with the Illinois State women's basketball program in 2008-09 and her second as team captain. She played in 14 games last season, missing eight games with a stress fracture in her foot, and averaged 2.1 points per game. All of her eight field goals on the season were from three-point range, putting her in sixth place on the team. She scored a season-high eight points at Bradley on two three-pointers and two free throws in just five minutes. She is currently tied for 16th on the ISU all-time three-point field goal list with 49.
Last season, Sandstead was the first-ever women's basketball recipient of the Bob and Audrey Weber Endowed Scholarship, which is named after a pair of longtime Redbird fans. She was very touched to receive another endowment this year that is in memory of an ISU supporter.
"I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship," said Sandstead. "Fan support means so much to our women's basketball program and all of Redbird Athletics. To receive this award in Janyth's name is truly an honor."
The Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship is one of 19 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes funded by private donors. For more information about supporting this, or any other Illinois State University endowment scholarships, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship Recipients
2003-Amber Rogers (volleyball)
2004-Katie Donovan (basketball)
2005-Emily Kabbes (volleyball)
2006-Tiffany Hudson (basketball)
2007-Erin Lindsey (volleyball)
2008-Ashley Sandstead (basketball)
