Celebrating Academic Excellence: Six Huskies Named to Women’s Basketball Academic All-MAC Team
DeKALB, IL – In a remarkable showcase of talent both on and off the court, six student-athletes from the Northern Illinois University women’s basketball team have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements by earning a spot on the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Women’s Basketball Academic All-MAC Team. This accolade not only underscores their dedication to sports but also highlights the importance of academic excellence.
A Tradition of Excellence
This year marks the ninth consecutive season that the Huskies have achieved at least six selections to the Academic All-MAC Team, a testament to the program’s commitment to nurturing both athletic and academic prowess among its athletes.
Meet the Stars of the Team
Chelby Koker: A Scholar and an Athlete
Chelby Koker from Racine, Wis., is making waves both in the classroom and on the basketball court. With a 4.000 GPA in Data Analytics, Koker has truly earned her stripes. Not only has she secured her fourth Academic All-MAC selection, but she was also named the MAC Female Scholar Athlete of the Week on February 19, following an impressive 20-point performance against Western Michigan. Koker’s talent was further acknowledged when she made the All-MAC Third Team, where she led the team with an impressive 14.7 points and 4.7 assists per game.
Sidney McCrea: A Reliable Force
Another standout is Sidney McCrea from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who also celebrates her fourth Academic All-MAC honor. As a RS-Senior majoring in Business Administration with a commendable 3.934 GPA, McCrea proved to be a critical asset for the Huskies, contributing 50 three-pointers with a stellar .420 three-point shooting percentage this season. Her dedication to both sports and academia is truly inspiring.
Brooke Stonebraker: The Rebounding Leader
Brooke Stonebraker, hailing from Versailles, Ohio, has achieved her fourth Academic All-MAC selection while leading her team in rebounding. With an average of 6.3 rebounds per game and a scoring average of 10.9 points, Stonebraker has showcased her versatility on the court. Her 3.934 GPA in Business Administration is the cherry on top of her impressive resume.
Consistent Contributors
Laura Nickel: Academic Achievement
Laura Nickel, from Marshall, Wis., continues her impressive streak with her third Academic All-MAC selection. Nickel’s performance on the court and her commitment to her studies in Health Sciences, where she boasts a 3.939 GPA, make her a pivotal member of the team.
Emerging Talent
Brooke Blumenfeld and Shannon Blacher round out the Huskie honorees. Blumenfeld earned her second Academic All-MAC selection with an impressive 3.774 GPA in Organizational/Corporate Communications. Meanwhile, Blacher, a sophomore business administration major, is stepping into the spotlight with her first Academic All-MAC nod and a 3.530 GPA.
Academic Excellence as a Benchmark
To qualify for the Academic All-MAC Team, a student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average and have participated in at least 50 percent of their sport’s games. These stringent criteria ensure that only the most dedicated individuals receive this prestigious recognition.
A Bright Future
The Northern Illinois University women’s basketball program is not only shaping exceptional athletes but also diligent scholars. As these six Huskies continue to excel in their respective fields, they embody the spirit of balancing academics with athletics. Congratulations to our champions on and off the court!
For more information on the Northern Illinois University women’s basketball team and its impressive roster, visit the official NIU Huskies website.
Final Thoughts
The Huskies’ success on the Academic All-MAC team exemplifies the perfect blend of hard work, determination, and intellect. Here’s to the future leaders and trailblazers that are being molded within the NIU women’s basketball program!
