NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Athletics' best were recognized for their achievements on Wednesday night, as Redbird student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff and supporters gathered at CEFCU Arena for the annual Reggie Awards, sponsored by Illinois State Credit Union.
Illinois State Athletics in-house host DJ Smalls served as the emcee for the event and guided those in attendance through night. 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 Mason Kaplan spoke on behalf of SAAC and awarded this year's Redbird Cup to the soccer program.
Annual award winners were then announced on stage and presented with a trophy to commemorate the occasion.
2025-26 Reggie Award Recipients
Milt Weisbecker Male Athlete of the Year: Tommy Rittenhouse (Football)
Jill Hutchison Female Athlete of the Year: Madi Valenti (Soccer)
Doug Collins Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Mason Kaplan (Football)
Linda Herman Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Ava Watson (Soccer)
Male Newcomer of the Year: Victor Dawson (Football)
Female Newcomer of the Year: Becca Heitzig (Track & Field)
Male Freshman of the Year: Luke Mailander (Football)
Female Freshman of the Year: Morgan Calhoun (Softball)Â
Dr. Jim Johnson Phoenix Award: Ryan Schaefer (Track & Field)
Laurie Mabry Award: Mia Oh (Gymnastics)
ISU Spirit Award: Maddie Zizzo (Cheer)
Community Service Award: Men's Basketball
Redbird Cup Winner: Soccer
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