CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team saw three student-athletes recognized with CSC Academic All-District honors, the organization announced on Tuesday. Olivia Coppola, Tali Joelson, and Amelia Knight were all honored by College Sports Communicators for the first time in their respective careers.
To be eligible for the recognition, a nominee must have at least a 3.50 GPA and be at least a sophomore academically and athletically. Nominees must also be ranked in the top 75 in an event within their division, according to Road to Nationals rankings, and/or have competed at their divisional national championship event.
Coppola, a human development and family studies major, completed her sophomore season with the Fighting Illini. Competing in all 15 meets, primarily on vault and beam, she also found success in the classroom with Academic All-Big Ten honors. Hailing from Union, Kentucky, Coppola set career-best marks on vault, floor, and beam in 2025.
Joelson also took part in all 15 meets during the Illini's 2025 slate, competing primarily on vault and floor. A dietetics and nutrition major, she was named the team's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree following her junior campaign. Securing career-highs on vault and beam, the Seattle, Washington, native was named an Academic All-Big Ten honoree for the second consecutive season.
Knight wrapped up her five-year Illinois career in 2025, appearing in 14 meets, primarily on bars and beam. She won three event titles on beam during her last season with the program. Named an Academic All-Big Ten honoree in each of her final four years with the Illini, Knight graduated with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary health sciences in May 2024 before earning a master's degree in management in May 2025.
