Eight NIU Women’s Track and Field Stars Achieve Academic All-MAC Honors
Exceptional Academic Achievement in Athletics
CLEVELAND – The Northern Illinois University (NIU) women’s track and field team is officially celebrating as eight outstanding student-athletes have been recognized with Academic All-MAC honors for the outdoor season. This prestigious accolade, announced by the Mid-American Conference (MAC) office on June 27, highlights the dedication these athletes show both on the track and in the classroom.
A Stellar Lineup of Scholars
Leading the Pack: Joy Jackson and Emma Vorpagel
Among this elite group, Joy Jackson (North Aurora, Ill./Benet Academy) and Emma Vorpagel (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) stand out as exemplary achievers, earning Academic All-MAC honors for the third consecutive season. Jackson, a sociology major with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and Vorpagel, who boasts a 3.926 GPA in finance, exemplify the balance of athletic prowess and academic commitment.
The Quartet of Tenacity
Joining them are four more NIU athletes who have proven their mettle for a second consecutive outdoor season:
- Carly Leonard (Hawthorn Woods, Ill./Indiana University HS), a dedicated sport and exercise psychology major with a 3.85 GPA
- Emily Rublein (Madison, Wis./Madison West), a creative talent enrolled in art and design education, holding a 3.816 GPA
- Talayssia Sanders (Waco, Texas/Waco Connally), who is pursuing health sciences with a 3.389 GPA
- Olivia Southby (New South Wales, Australia/Therry Catholic), focused on sport management, achieving a 3.603 GPA
New Faces, New Achievements
Recognizing the promise of two rising stars, Giorgia Fino (Francavila Fontana, Italy/Istituto Tecnko Commerciale Giovanni Calo) and Samira Rosenfeld (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg), both earned their first Academic All-MAC awards. Fino excels in world languages and cultures with a 4.0 GPA, while Rosenfeld, majoring in psychology, shines with a 3.408 GPA.
The Academic All-MAC Distinction
This accolade is not just a badge of honor—it underscores the blending of academics and athletics. To be eligible for the Academic All-MAC recognition, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 and actively participate in at least 50% of their team’s competitions throughout the season. These accomplished women not only exemplify athletic excellence but also demonstrate incredible dedication to their studies.
NIU Outdoor Track and Field Academic All-MAC Honorees
- Giorgia Fino, Grad Student, World Language and Cultures, 4.0
- Joy Jackson, Senior, Sociology, 4.0
- Carly Leonard, Grad Student, Sport and Exercise Psychology, 3.85
- Samira Rosenfeld, Senior, Psychology, 3.408
- Emily Rublein, Junior, Art and Design Education, 3.816
- Talayssia Sanders, Senior, Health Sciences, 3.389
- Olivia Southby, Senior, Sport Management, 3.603
- Emma Vorpagel, Senior, Finance, 3.926
These eight remarkable women from the NIU women’s track and field team show that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence—in both sport and academics—lead to outstanding achievements. As they continue to inspire their peers and future generations, they embody the true spirit of student-athletes.
For more about NIU’s track and field team, visit NIU Huskies.
