D3CA Release (PDF)

SUWANEE, Ga. - Illinois Wesleyan University women's swimming and diving standout Ellen Gilbert (Northbrook, Ill.-Glenbrook North) added to her already lengthy list of accomplishments Thursday, Aug. 4, as she was named the inaugural 2021-22 Division III Commissioner Association's Region VIII Women's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year. Carroll's Steven Hermsen took home the accolade on the men's side as the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin was one of four conferences to sweep awards among the 10 regions.

In the pool, Gilbert put together an outstanding career while donning the Green and White. A multiple-time NCAA qualifier, Gilbert closed out her career with an All-American performance in the 200 butterfly at the 2022 NCAA Championships. Since being named the CCIW's First Year Athlete of the Meet in 2019, she was twice named the CCIW's Most Valuable Swimmer, earning the honor in 2020 and 2022. Gilbert garnered the title of CCIW Swimmer of the Year in 2020 and 2022, while she also held the CCIW's top times on eight occasions throughout her career. She owns the CCIW Championship record with a 200 fly time of 2:02.71, and was a four-time CCIW Swimmer of the Week selection.

Gilbert, who has already reeled in high-profile awards such as a NCAA Woman of the Year nomination, was crowned the CCIW's Woman of the Year earlier this summer. She is one of 10 Titans all-time to be a three-time College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-American. 

Each of the winners will advance to the national ballot for consideration for the 2021-22 D3CA Men's and Women's Student-Athlete of the Year. 

Selection criteria for the awards included considerations based on academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership and a personal statement submitted by each nominee.

Voting was conducted by the commissioners within each of the ten regions, with the top male and female honoree (including ties) recognized as finalists for the Awards Committee to select the Division III Commissioner's Association Men's Sport and Women's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year.

The two national winners will be announced later this month.


D3CA REGIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Region I
Men's Sport Isaac Gorelik, Tufts University (Tennis) – NESCAC
Women's Sport Erin Nicholas, Middlebury College (Field Hockey/Lacrosse) – NESCAC
Region II
Men's Sport Matyas Csiki-Fejer, Suffolk University (Cross Country/Track & Field) – CCC
Women's Sport Karenna Goff, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Soccer) – NEWMAC

Region III
Men's Sport Ryan Enos, SUNY-Oswego (Baseball) – SUNYAC
Women's Sport Eliza Beaudin, Elmira College (Ice Hockey) – Empire 8

Region IV
Men's Sport Brett Kaliner, Stevens Institute of Technology (Wrestling) – MAC Freedom
Women's Sport Gina Dello Russo, Stevens Institute of Technology (Track & Field) – MAC Freedom

Region V
Men's Sport Jesse Rivera, Cairn University (Basketball) – CSAC
Women's Sport Elaina Clancy, Dickinson College (Cross Country/Track & Field) – Centennial

Region VI
Men's Sport Isaac Alderfer, Eastern Mennonite Univ. (Cross Country/Track & Field) – ODAC
Women's Sport Hannah Thompson, Averett University (Softball) – USA South

Region VII
Men's Sport Ryan Beard, Westminster (Pa.) College (Track & Field) – PAC
Women's Sport Emmerson Mirus, Kenyon College (Swimming & Diving) – NCAC

Region VIII
Men's Sport Steven Hermsen, Carroll College (Track & Field) – CCIW
Women's Sport Ellen Gilbert, Illinois Wesleyan University (Swimming & Diving) – CCIW

Region IX
Men's Sport Justin Sartori, Aurora University (Baseball) – NACC
Women's Sport Macy Klein, St. Catherine University (Swimming & Diving) – MIAC

Region X
Men's Sport Kellan Grant, Pomona-Pitzer (Water Polo) – SCIAC
Women's Sport Sophie Srivastava, Chapman University (Volleyball) – SCIAC