Illinois State softball placed five student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, as seniors Hannah Meshnick, Bella Atkinson and Bailah Bognar, junior Paige McLeod and sophomore Tatum Wolford were all recognized for their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.
The CSC Academic All-District Team recognizes student-athletes for combined athletic and academic excellence. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA and serve as a key starter or reserve while meeting minimum competition requirements. Schools are limited to a maximum of five nominees per sport.Â
Meshnick carried a 3.96 GPA in exercise science and earned her second straight CSC Academic All-District honor. A three-time Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete and three-time MVC Scholar Athlete, Meshnick pitched 112 innings this season with 57 strikeouts and a league-best seven saves. The program's all-time leader with 14 career saves, Meshnick also excelled at the plate this season, batting .340 and slugging .745 with four home runs in 47 at-bats.
Atkinson earned her first CSC Academic All-District selection while maintaining a 3.60 GPA in agriculture. The senior is one of just five Redbirds in program history to record at least 40 hits, 40 runs scored and 40 RBIs in a season. Atkinson led Illinois State with a .401 batting average and ranks among the MVC leaders in doubles and home runs. An All-MVC first-team selection and NFCA Division I All-Midwest Region first-team honoree, Atkinson's 17 doubles are tied for the fourth-most in program history.
Bognar received her first CSC Academic All-District honor with a perfect 4.0 GPA in business administration and marketing. A two-time Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, Bognar has posted career highs this season in hits, walks and RBIs while also recording her first career home run earlier this spring.
McLeod earned her first CSC Academic All-District selection with a 3.70 GPA in nursing. The junior pitcher, who was named an All-MVC first-team selection and NFCA Division I All-Midwest Region second-team honoree, was a key contributor in the circle for the Redbirds all season, compiling a 20-6 record with 81 strikeouts across 161 innings pitched.
Wolford collected her first CSC Academic All-District honor while carrying a 3.92 GPA in elementary education. Wolford ended the season batting .317 with 46 hits, 43 runs scored and 22 RBIs, joining the program's exclusive 40-40 club.
