NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Athletics' best were recognized for their achievements on Tuesday night, as Redbird student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff and supporters gathered at CEFCU Arena for the annual Redbird Student-Athlete Banquet, sponsored by the Illinois State Credit Union.
The football and men's basketball television voice of the Redbirds, Kurt Pegler, served as the emcee for the event. Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs spoke to those in attendance and thanked them for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to Redbird Athletics and Illinois University President Dr. Aondover Tarhule offered his congratulations for the many successes of the Redbird student-athletes on and off the field of play.
In addition, ISU Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) president senior diver Eva Reyes spoke on behalf of SAAC and awarded this year's Redbird Cup team winner. To cap things off, senior gymnastics standout Jaye Mack spoke on behalf of the senior class and left the crowd with words of wisdom and expressions of thanks for many of those in attendance.
Award winners were announced on stage and presented with a trophy to commemorate the occasion.
2024-25 ISU Athletics Award Recipients
Team Community Service Award – Gymnastics
Dr. Jim Johnson Phoenix Award – Shai Robinson (Baseball)
Laurie Mabry Award – Maya Wong (Women's Basketball)
Redbird Cup Winner – Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
Female Newcomer of the Year – Mekaila Aupiu (Volleyball)
Male Newcomer of the Year – Will Sinclair (Men's Cross Country/Track & Field)
Female Freshman of the Year – Khenedi Guest (Volleyball)
Male Freshman of the Year – Jack Daugherty (Men's Basketball)
Linda Herman Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Jaye Mack (Gymnastics)
Doug Collins Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Johnny Kinziger (Men's Basketball)
Jill Hutchison Female Athlete of the Year – Jinyoung Yun (Women's Golf)
Milt Weisbecker Male Athlete of the Year – Daniel Pacella (Baseball)
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