NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State soccer student-athlete Ava Watson was one of 14 students selected as a Robert G. Bone Scholar for the 2026-27 school year. The Bone Scholarship, the highest university-wide honor given to undergraduate students, includes a monetary award from the Bone Scholarship endowment. Recipients of the award will be introduced during a reception in the upcoming fall semester.
The scholarship is named in honor of the late Robert G. Bone, president of Illinois State University from 1956-1967. Bone Scholars are selected through a rigorous campus-wide competition based on their scholarly achievements and their engagement and leadership in activities in the University community and beyond. Invited finalists submit a comprehensive portfolio including several essays and statements, an academic product and letters of recommendation. The mean grade-point average of this year's Bone Scholars is 3.93 on a 4.0 scale. Watson, a Dublin, Ohio, native, holds a 4.00 GPA while majoring in biology at ISU.
"I am very honored and grateful to receive this award," said Watson. "When I chose Illinois State University three and a half years ago to further my academic and athletic career, I could never have imagined all of the immense and life-changing experiences it would bring me. I have had countless opportunities for involvement in the community, and I have learned to grow as a leader, student and athlete. My experiences here have had a profound impact on my future, and I am very grateful for all of my professors, advisors, coaches and teammates who have supported me along the way. I could never have achieved this without the strong support system Illinois State has provided me. I am very grateful for this award, and I look forward to growing and achieving my goals in the future. Illinois State University has played a major role in shaping who I am and preparing me for my future. Redbird for life!"
Watson is the 34th Redbird student-athlete in history to earn the scholarship, joining recent Redbirds Jaye Mack, Dani Grgas, Hannah Johnson, Logan Ziegler, Jake Gillum and Mary Crompton as student-athletes to be honored as a Bone Scholar. The Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center, which supports the academic endeavors of Illinois State student-athletes, is named in honor of the late Illinois State first lady.
Watson, a two-time MVC Scholar-Athlete and two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, has started in 56 games for the Redbirds over the last three seasons. A stout defender, Watson helped the Redbirds secure a school record 13 shutouts in 2025 while logging 1,778 minutes on the pitch.
"I am so proud of Ava for this incredible accomplishment," said Illinois State soccer head coach Raleigh DeRose. "She is truly an exceptional student-athlete who embodies what it means to excel both in the classroom and on the field. Ava has dedicated herself to achieving excellence academically. Her relentless work ethic, combined with her unwavering commitment to her education, has helped her earn this distinguished honor. She sets ambitious goals for herself and pursues them with determination and purpose. I couldn't be more proud of her for being selected as a Bone Scholar."
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