West Virginia University announced on Apr. 30 that forty-nine of its student-athletes have been selected for the 2026 Winter Academic All-Big 12 Conference Team.
The recognition highlights the academic achievements of student-athletes who participate in winter sports across conference institutions. The announcement notes that eight Mountaineers earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average, including Sydney Woodley from women’s basketball, Emerson Smith from gymnastics, Cas Verstegen and Zach Zoran Ferguson from men’s swimming and diving, MJ Gilligan, Abigail Sullivan and Natasha Whittall from women’s swimming and diving, and Ian Bush from wrestling.
To be eligible for the Academic All-Big 12 Team, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.20 GPA either cumulatively or over the previous two semesters and must have participated in at least twenty percent of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen are not eligible for this honor; however, transfers in their first year of academic residence can qualify. Senior student-athletes who have competed for at least two years may also be included if they meet all criteria except participation percentage.
The list features athletes from men’s basketball, women’s basketball, gymnastics, men’s swimming and diving, women’s swimming and diving, wrestling, and related disciplines. Several honorees are pursuing advanced degrees such as master’s programs in business administration or sport management.
This annual recognition by the Big 12 Conference underscores the importance placed on balancing athletics with academic performance among member institutions.
