UNT Women’s Basketball Achieves Historic Academic All-District Milestone

In a historic moment for the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team, three players just landed spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. It’s the first time in program history that three players have earned this recognition in a single season.

Mekhia Chase, Tionna Lidge, and Andi Schissler have raised the bar for what it means to be a student-athlete at UNT. Their achievement really shows how tough it is to juggle demanding academics with high-level athletics.

Trailblazing Achievements in UNT Women’s Basketball

For the first time ever, three UNT women’s basketball players made the prestigious College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. That’s a big deal, and it says a lot about their dedication both on the court and in the classroom.

Chase, Lidge, and Schissler aren’t just great athletes—they’ve set a new example for future Mean Green players to follow.

Meet the Honorees

Each of these athletes brings something different to the table, both in how they play and in what they’re studying.

• Mekhia Chase: As a junior majoring in Merchandising, Chase has become a key player for UNT. She somehow manages to handle tough classes and all those practices.
• Tionna Lidge: Lidge, a graduate student in Interdisciplinary Studies, keeps up with advanced coursework without missing a beat on the court. Younger teammates definitely look up to her.
• Andi Schissler: Schissler, also a junior, majors in Health Behavior and Fitness. Her interest in health goes beyond basketball, shaping how she lives and studies.

Academic and Athletic Excellence

To make the Academic All-District Team, athletes need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50. They also have to play in 90% of games or start in two-thirds of them.

That’s not an easy bar to clear, honestly. Chase, Lidge, and Schissler pulled it off, and it’s impressive how they balanced everything.

Setting New Records

This trio broke the previous program record of two selections, which dated back to 2002. The last UNT women’s basketball player to earn this honor was Jaylen Mallard in 2024.

Their hard work and drive, along with support from coaches, made this possible.

Impact on the Program

Having three players recognized like this means a lot for the UNT women’s basketball program. It raises expectations for everyone and gives the whole team something to shoot for.

Inspiring Future Generations

Chase, Lidge, and Schissler have become examples for younger UNT athletes. Their success proves it’s possible to excel in the classroom and on the court, even if it sometimes feels impossible.

Strengthening the Program’s Reputation

This achievement boosts UNT’s reputation and makes the program more appealing to future recruits. Players who want a school that values both academics and athletics might just take a closer look at UNT now.

Conclusion

Mekhia Chase, Tionna Lidge, and Andi Schissler just landed spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. This is a pretty big deal for the UNT women’s basketball program.

These three have really balanced academics and athletics—it’s not easy, but they’ve managed to raise the bar. I mean, who wouldn’t feel inspired by that?

If you’re curious about all the details or want to see the official announcement, check out the Mean Green Sports website.