Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team has achieved a notable academic accolade, with three of its student-athletes being recognized by College Sports Communicators. Olivia Coppola, Tali Joelson, and Amelia Knight have been awarded CSC Academic All-District honors for the first time in their careers.

Eligibility for this recognition requires a minimum GPA of 3.50 and at least sophomore standing both academically and athletically. Additionally, nominees must rank in the top 75 in an event within their division according to Road to Nationals rankings or have competed at their divisional national championship event.

Olivia Coppola, majoring in human development and family studies, completed her sophomore season with the team. She participated in all 15 meets, focusing on vault and beam events. Coppola also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and set personal bests on vault, floor, and beam during the year. She is from Union, Kentucky.

Tali Joelson also competed in all 15 meets primarily on vault and floor during the Illini's 2025 season. A dietetics and nutrition major from Seattle, Washington, she was named the team's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree after her junior year. Joelson achieved career-high scores on vault and beam while being recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten honoree for two consecutive seasons.

Amelia Knight concluded her five-year tenure with Illinois in 2025 by participating in 14 meets mainly on bars and beam. She secured three event titles on beam during her final season. Knight was consistently named an Academic All-Big Ten honoree over her last four years with the team. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary health sciences in May 2024 before completing a master's degree in management in May 2025.