CHICAGO, Ill. — The Missouri Valley Conference announced its 2025 Cross Country Scholar-Athlete Teams, and five UIC student-athletes earned recognition for their standout achievements in competition and in the classroom. Two from the men's program and three from the women's program were honored among the conference's top academic performers.

To be eligible, student-athletes must hold a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher, have reached sophomore academic standing, and demonstrate significant athletic contributions to their program.

UIC Men's Scholar-Athletes

Zachary Close — Sophomore — 3.51 GPA — Graphic & Industrial Design
Close earns a Scholar-Athlete honor following a strong sophomore campaign and continued academic excellence in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts.

Alexander Das — Junior — 3.71 GPA — Finance
A steady contributor for the Flames, Das secures a spot on the team with a 3.71 GPA while majoring in finance in UIC's College of Business Administration.

UIC Women's Scholar-Athletes

Emma Dubie — Junior — 3.95 GPA — Psychology
Dubie continues to shine in the classroom with a near-perfect GPA in psychology, earning MVC Scholar-Athlete recognition for the 2025 season.

Indigo Sterud — Junior — 3.50 GPA — Earth & Environmental Science
Sterud represents the Flames' commitment to academic versatility, balancing coursework in environmental studies with her role on the UIC roster.

Praise Oyebanji — Junior — 3.67 GPA — Management
A leader both academically and athletically, Oyebanji earns her place on the team with a 3.67 GPA in management.