Four Illini Garner CSC Academic All-District Awards

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four Illini were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District At-Large list, the association announced Tuesday. Graduate student Evan Manivong and sophomores Tate Costa, Kyle Mayotte, and Ryan Vanichtheeranont are all first-time winners of the award.  

To be eligible, a nominee must have a 3.50 GPA or higher, be enrolled full-time, and be at least a sophomore academically and athletically. Gymnasts must also be ranked in the top 75 in an event within their division by Road to Nationals. 

Manivong worked toward his master's degree in management during his final season. The Kansas City, Mo., native competed in 10 meets, including the individual competition of the Big Ten Championships. Additionally, Manivong earned his fourth-consecutive Academic All-Big Ten honor to close out his time at Illinois. 

The reigning high bar national champion, Costa is also getting it done in the classroom as he pursues a bachelor's degree in statistics. He saw action in all 14 meets and earned eight event titles along the way. Costa also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors to complement his stellar season. 

Mayotte appeared in six meets this past season while completing coursework toward an undergraduate degree in recreation, sport, and tourism. The Geneva, Ill., native broke three career-high scores during the 2024 campaign: on parallel bars and high bar against Ohio State on March 16, and on still rings at the EVO Collegiate Open on Feb. 9. 

A biochemistry major, Vanichtheeranont competed in 12 meets this season, taking home five high bar titles. The Plainville, Ill., native tallied career-high scores in three events: still rings (at the Big Ten Championships), parallel bars, and high bar (both at the EVO Collegiate Open).   

The quartet of CSC Academic All-District Illini helped the Orange and Blue to a 20-9 team record, including a regular-season Big Ten title and third-place finish at the Big Ten Championships.