Winona State Warriors Shine with 23 Named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference keeps shining a light on the real link between academic achievement and athletic success. Winona State University women’s gymnastics is right at the heart of that story.

During the 2024–25 academic year, 23 Warrior student-athletes grabbed a spot on the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. This distinction goes to those who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

This recognition isn’t just a list—it’s proof of discipline, time management, and the culture that defines Winona State gymnastics. These student-athletes balance expectations in the gym and in the classroom, and it shows.

Academic Excellence at the Core of Warrior Gymnastics

After decades of watching college athletics, one thing’s clear: the best programs care about more than just competition. Winona State women’s gymnastics lives by that idea.

The 23 Warriors on the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll make it obvious that academic success is expected, not just encouraged. It’s woven into the team’s identity.

Balancing tough training, travel, and academic demands takes a level of maturity that’s honestly rare. The Warriors’ spots on the honor roll show their preparation goes way beyond meet day.

Understanding the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

The WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll is given each year to student-athletes in the conference who hit at least a 3.00 GPA. That might sound simple, but it’s anything but easy.

Competing in the NCAA and keeping grades up takes sharp focus and real support from the university. Winona State’s women’s gymnastics program keeps setting the bar in that regard, year after year.

The 2024–25 list isn’t a fluke. It’s what the program does—consistently.

The 23 Warriors Who Earned the Distinction

This year’s honorees come from all over the U.S. and Canada. Their collective success shows the program attracts people who care about both school and sport.

WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll Recipients from Winona State Women’s Gymnastics:

• Kendra Aitken – Wentzville, Missouri
• Kaylee Bateman – Arden Hills, Minnesota
• Brooklynn Clapp – Brock, Texas
• Alyssa Crisp – Cullowhee, North Carolina
• Ella Denno – Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Lenee Dimkin – Keswick, Ontario
• Madysen Diskerud – Pine Island, Minnesota
• Kaelyn Duman – San Antonio, Texas
• Izzy Huncker – Overland Park, Kansas
• Irene Kearney – Chicago, Illinois
• Reagan Kelley – Mound, Minnesota
• Courtney Knutson – Forest Lake, Minnesota
• Gabby Kraft – Eden Prairie, Minnesota
• Taylor Magierka – Mattawan, Michigan
• Camdyn McSweeney – Champlin, Minnesota
• Jessica Miley – Olathe, Kansas
• Kennedy O’Connor – Roselle, Illinois
• Aspen Peters – Brookings, South Dakota
• Ashley Phillips – Lockport, Illinois
• Maddie Reiner – Omaha, Nebraska
• Mollie Ruch – Bath, Pennsylvania
• Bryce Stoltz – Highlands Ranch, Colorado
• Rachel Van Namen – Innisfil, Ontario

Each name stands for countless hours of practice, late-night studying, and meeting expectations that would wear out most students. It’s no small feat.

A Culture That Demands Balance

Winona State gymnastics has always pushed for balance as a core value. Coaches, academic advisors, and support staff work together to help student-athletes succeed in every part of university life.

This team effort creates a space where academic goals aren’t sacrificed for athletic ones. Instead, they go hand in hand.

From what I’ve seen covering college programs, teams with lots of honor roll recipients usually have a few things in common. They run on structure, communicate clearly, and have leadership that genuinely values education.

The Warriors’ regular appearances on the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll show those elements are alive and well here.

The Role of Coaching and Support Systems

Behind every academic award, there’s a support network. Coaches set expectations and lead by example.

At Winona State, the message is simple: what you do in class matters just as much as what you do on the mat. Academic advisors, tutors, and engaged faculty make that possible too.

When student-athletes feel supported, they’re more likely to meet the challenge of excelling in both academics and athletics. That’s just how it works.