Five Illini Named to CSC Academic All-District Team
May 26, 2026 | Softball
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Five Illinois softball student-athletes were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, as announced by the organization on Tuesday morning. Adisyn Caryl, Eileen Donahue, Alaina Miller, Ava Moore, and Karley Yergler each were honored by the CSC.
Juniors Caryl and Donahue each earned the award for the second consecutive season, while Miller, Moore, and Yergler were honored for the first time in their careers.
Caryl finished her junior campaign with a .302 batting average and 49 hits, and led the team with 27 runs, nine doubles, and four stolen bases. She started all 54 games in 2026, one of just two players to do so, alongside Moore at shortstop. Caryl is majoring in elementary education and was recognized earlier this spring as an Illinois Outstanding Scholar-Athlete, for having the highest female student-athlete GPA in her class.
Donahue received her second CSC accolade after finding success as designated player, starting and appearing in 44 games. The Chicago native led the squad with 15 home runs, tied for seventh in single-season program history, the first player to crack the top-ten list since 2017. She paced the 2026 team with 40 RBI, a .657 slugging percentage, and .997 OPS. She is majoring in communication.
Miller was a mainstay in center field for the Fighting Illini, starting 50 games. She finished the year with a .970 fielding percentage, recording 92 putouts and turning two double plays. At the plate, she earned 21 hits, 10 walks, and drove in six RBI. The senior received her undergraduate degree this spring in interdisciplinary health sciences.
Moore started all 54 games of her sophomore season at shortstop. She led the team with nine sacrifice hits, which ranks tied for eighth in single season program history, and also paced the squad with two triples. Moore is majoring in accountancy and received Illinois Outstanding Scholar-Athlete recognition for her unblemished 4.00 GPA.
Yergler made 30 appearances and 21 starts in the circle, finishing the year with a 4.94 ERA and 1.76 WHIP. She led the pitching staff with 107.2 innings of work, eight complete games, and 59 strikeouts. The right-hander received her undergraduate degree the spring in interdisciplinary health sciences with a concentration in health behavior.
To be eligible for the award, a nominee must earn a minimum 3.50 GPA and have at least sophomore standing, both athletically and academically. Eligible nominees must be contributors on the diamond, participating in 90% of games or starting in 66%. For pitchers, a student-athlete must have made at least 17 appearances or pitched 35 innings.
For the full list of honorees, visit academicallamerica.com.
