CHICAGO – UIC student-athletes continue to shine in the classroom, as a school-record 255 Flames were selected to the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Honor Roll, including 15 UIC student-athletes who earned the league's highest academic achievement, the MVC Board of Directors Academic Excellence Award. In addition, 68 UIC student-athletes were awarded the MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award, with all three awards announced by the league office on Tuesday.

"Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar in the classroom, and this record-setting achievement reflects their dedication, discipline, and pride in representing UIC," said Andrea Williams, UIC director of intercollegiate athletics. "To have nearly 85 percent of our Flames earn MVC academic honors speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives. We are equally proud of our coaches and academic support staff who foster an environment where success is possible in competition and in the classroom."

"These awards are the result of countless hours of hard work, balance, and perseverance by our student-athletes," added Karen Dixon, UIC associate athletics director for academic services. "The fact that so many have reached the highest academic levels in the MVC, all while competing at an elite level, demonstrates their remarkable character and determination. It's a privilege to work alongside them and to see their efforts recognized in such a meaningful way."

The MVC Board of Directors Academic Excellence Award requires a minimum 3.8 cumulative grade-point average (GPA), participation in athletics a minimum of two years, and the student-athlete must be within 18 hours of graduation (by the end of the Spring 2025 semester). UIC's 15 recipients of the prestigious award, who represent nine different Flames' athletic programs, were: Salma Abdelhady (Volleyball), Hailey Cowing(Softball), George Eisenhardt (Baseball), Delaney Engel (Women's Soccer), Madison Ferris (Women's Soccer), Grace Fleming (Softball), Sandra Frau Garcia (Women's Basketball), Trish Georgiou (Women's Soccer), Hannah Gryzik (Women's Soccer), Reece Lawler (Baseball), Luke Malone (Men's Cross Country/Track & Field), Ellie McDonald (Women's Golf), Kristiana Pappanastos (Women's Soccer), Filip Skobalj (Men's Basketball) and Luke Wiesner (Men's Swimming & Diving).

UIC's 255 Honor Roll recipients were part of the more than 4,000 student-athletes across all MVC member institutions to earn this distinction for their success in the classroom. The Honor Roll recognizes student-athletes for their efforts during the 2024-25 academic year. To qualify, a student-athlete must earn a minimum 3.2 GPA for a specified term (Fall 2024/Spring 2025), must have been a member of an athletics team, and must have been enrolled full-time during the term they earned the honor.

The MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award requires a minimum 3.5 GPA for each of the previous two semesters and a minimum of two years of athletics participation. Student-athletes from all 17 of UIC's varsity athletics programs that compete in the MVC received this honor.  

For a full list of MVC Academic Award winners, click here.

The 2025-26 UIC athletics season kicks off Thursday when the Flames' women's soccer team plays host to Illinois (5 p.m. CT at Flames Field). In addition, season ticket deposits for the 2025-26 Flames' men's and women's basketball campaigns are currently on sale through the UIC Athletics Ticket Office (312.413.8421; athleticsticketing@uic.edu).

For more information on UIC Athletics, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UICFlames) and Instagram (@uicflames).

#FireUpFlames | #ChicagosCollegeTeam