NORMAL, Ill. – Each year, deserving Illinois State women's basketball student-athletes are chosen as recipients for prestigious endowed scholarship at Illinois State University, and this year four outstanding Redbirds were selected for these honors by ISU head women's basketball coach Kristen Gillespie.
The 2018-19 winners of the four endowed scholarships dedicated to women's basketball included senior Katrina Beck, juniors Megan Talbot and Frannie Corrigan and sophomore Paige Saylor. Each reflect the standards set forth by those who created the endowments, and each truly represent what it means to be a Redbird women's basketball student-athlete.
"Katrina, Megan, Frannie and Paige are all great students that embody everything you want in a member of your program," Gillespie said. "Their dedication in the classroom and on the court is unmatched. Each are great role models for their teammates and we could not be more proud of them. They are all very deserving of these endowed scholarships, and I look forward to their continued success."
Rev. Dr. Joanne Peppard-Cooke Endowed Scholarship Recipient // Katrina Beck Senior Guard Chicago, Illinois
Beck is a three-year starter for the Redbirds, averaging 7.6 points per game with 727 career points. The senior guard has been named MVC Player of the Week, MVC Honor Roll and AFNI Honor Roll member.
The Cooke scholarship was established in 2008 by Dr. Cooke in 2006. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support for a member of the women's basketball team. "Pep" created this scholarship to express her support of education and athletics. As a recipient of a scholarship herself, "Pep" was aware of the difference such support can make in the life of a student. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the women's basketball team.
Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship Recipient // Megan Talbot Junior Forward Barrington, Illinois
Talbot has made 50 starts and appeared in 62 games for ISU. The junior forward set a new career high of 17 points last season and averages 7.4 points per game. Talbot is a member of the MVC and AFNI Honor Roll.
Named after an avid and longtime Redbird supporter, the Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997, when Fred, husband of the late Janyth Aellig, funded the endowment with the help of more than 50 friends and family.
Robert and Laura Garrett Endowed Scholarship Recipient // Frannie Corrigan Junior Guard/Forward LaGrange Park, Illinois
Corrigan has appeared in 62 games for the Redbirds and has 204 career points. The junior guard is the Vice President of SAAC and is a member of the AFNI and MVC Honor Roll.
The Garrett scholarship was established in 2008 by Robert and Laura Garrett. The scholarship is for women's basketball and volleyball, long-time loves of both Bob and Laura. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the women's basketball team or a member of the volleyball team.
Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship Recipient // Paige Saylor Sophomore Guard Martinsville, Indiana
Saylor was selected to the MVC All-Freshman and All-Defensive team her freshman year, after finishing with the most steals per game in the Valley with 2.4. The sophomore guard has already etched her name in the ISU record books after grabbing seven steals in one game, which ties for sixth most. Saylor led the Valley in court time with 37.9 minutes per game and was one of two Redbirds to start in all 30 games last season.
The Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999, when the Redbird coaching legend retired from the women's basketball post. The award honoring the winningest coach in Illinois State history is given to a women's basketball player.
These endowed scholarships are among the 30 available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. For more information about establishing or contributing to an endowed scholarship, please call the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund office at (309) 438-3803. To read about each current endowment in more detail, visit the WSF website at www.weisbeckerscholarshipfund.com.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
