WIU Athletics Celebrates Strong Academic Semester in Spring 2026
MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois University Athletics continued to show steady progress in the classroom this spring, as Leatherneck student-athletes once again delivered a strong academic performance during the Spring 2026 semester.
A number of programs posted standout team grade point averages, led by Women's Basketball (3.79) and Women's Tennis (3.78), followed closely by Women's Soccer (3.62). Softball (3.57), Volleyball (3.55), and Women's Cross Country (3.48) also had solid semesters, continuing the consistency across WIU women's programs.
On the men's side, Men's Soccer led the way with a 3.27 GPA, followed by Baseball (3.16), Men's Cross Country (3.13), and Men's Track & Field (3.06). Football finished the semester with a 3.03 GPA, while Men's Golf (2.92) and Men's Basketball (2.74) rounded out the totals.
Overall, WIU women's teams combined for a 3.54 GPA, while men's teams posted a 3.06, reflecting continued academic effort across the department.
Academic Highlights
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57 student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA
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188 student-athletes posted a 3.60 GPA or higher
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246 student-athletes finished with a 3.00 GPA or higher
4.0 Club Honorees
A total of 57 Leathernecks were recognized for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA this semester:
Kennedy Adair, Madison Davis, Kathryn McChristy, Abigail Schilling, Ryan Wrobleski, Jeremiah Banks-Wall, Mana Fawcett, Callie McMurtrey, Mallory Shetley, Elizabeth Ziegler, Jaleah Bauss, Kelly Fern, Allison Meadows, Marissa Shute, Karlee Zumstein, Ava Bell, Richardlyne Francois, Maria Messling, Angela Steinke, Shelby Bowman, Ana Gularte, Jillan Morris, Hannah Steinmeyer, Payton Brown, Olivia Hampton, Caley Murphy, Madeline Stickelmaier, Addison Brownfield, Melaina Hawblitzel, Lily Patterson, Ruby Tarr, Aubrey Brumbaugh, Andrew Heller, Audrey Pender, Simone Thorst, Guillaume Brunet, Jessica Hess, Emma Ponx, Kam Utendorf, Claire Carmean, Nick Hittle, Zachary Price, Kaelyn Walters, Samantha Claesson, Denver Johnson, Kaylen Reed, Emma-Kate Watt, Grace Curry, Nakeita Kessling, Justin Richardson, Alijah Williams, Rayhana Daoudi, Emily Martins, Chloe Zhi-En Routier, Autumn Wilson, Adam Reiniger, and Madeline Whip.
Western Illinois Athletics is proud of the continued work happening across all programs in the classroom, with student-athletes, coaches, and academic staff all contributing to another strong semester.
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