Three student-athletes from the University of Illinois women’s tennis team earned College Sports Communicators (CSC, formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-District honors, the association announced on May 12.
The recognition highlights academic and athletic achievement among collegiate athletes. The award is given to nominees who maintain at least a 3.50 grade point average, are sophomores or above both academically and athletically, serve as starters or important reserves, and have participated in at least 70 percent of their team’s matches with team scores included.
Senior McKenna Schaefbauer was honored for the third consecutive year at Illinois. Junior Alice Xu and sophomore Ariel Madatali received the distinction for the first time in their careers. Schaefbauer is set to graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Xu is pursuing a degree in computer engineering, while Madatali remains undeclared within the Gies College of Business.
All three athletes played significant roles during what was described as the final season under coach Evan Clark. Schaefbauer led at No. 1 singles throughout the season, achieving a peak ranking of No. 29 and recording a 23-11 overall record with a 14-6 mark in dual play. Xu posted an overall singles record of 8-6 (7-4 dual play), while Madatali finished with records of 12-14 (5-9 dual). In doubles competition, Xu secured 16 wins and reached as high as No. 59 in ITA rankings; Madatali added another 15 doubles victories and Schaefbauer contributed with eleven.
The trio helped lead Illinois to a balanced team record of 13-13 during the recent campaign.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini Women’s Tennis program competes in NCAA Division I athletics within the Big Ten Conference as part of University of Illinois athletics and is based in Champaign, according to the official website.
