Four Women’s Basketball Stars Shockingly Named All-District - You Won't Believe Their GPA Secrets!

ITHACA, N.Y. – In a notable achievement for Ithaca College, four student-athletes from the women's basketball team have been recognized on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team for the 2025–26 season. This honor highlights not only their athletic prowess but also their academic excellence, reflecting a commitment to both sports and education.

The honored athletes are juniors Tori Drevna and Grace McNamara, along with sophomores Natalie Tucker and Madison Gill. Each of these players has demonstrated exceptional skill on the court while maintaining impressive academic records, evident by their respective GPAs.

To be eligible for this prestigious recognition, a student-athlete must meet specific criteria set by the CSC. Candidates must be a starter or an important reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale, and be classified as at least a sophomore. Additionally, they must have played in 90 percent of their team's games or started in at least 66 percent of the games. Each institution is limited to four nominees for basketball, making this recognition particularly valuable.

Tori Drevna, majoring in Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Communications, had an outstanding season, starting all 25 games for the Bombers. She emerged as the team's leading scorer, averaging 11.8 points per game, and showcased her versatility by also contributing 5.2 rebounds and recording a team-high 51 steals throughout the season. Her performance exemplifies the balance of academic and athletic commitment that the CSC aims to celebrate.

Grace McNamara, who is pursuing a degree in Business Administration, made significant contributions as well, starting 19 of the 25 games. She averaged 7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while also demonstrating a keen shooting ability with an impressive 47.1 percent shooting average from the field. Her defensive skills were highlighted by her 27 steals and nine blocks during the season.

Sophomore Natalie Tucker, majoring in Health Sciences, participated in all 25 games and made 17 starts, averaging 6.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 39.5. She particularly excelled in her three-point shooting, finishing the season with 20 successful three-pointers, and averaged 1.8 assists per game alongside 20 steals.

Madison Gill, studying Sports Media, also had a standout year, starting 23 of the 24 games she played. She was a key offensive player for the Bombers, averaging 8.7 points per game and demonstrating reliability beyond the arc with a 32.6 percent success rate on three-pointers. Gill rounded out her contributions with 2.6 rebounds per game and 20 steals, further emphasizing her all-around skill set.

Despite their individual successes, the Ithaca College Bombers concluded the 2025-26 season with a 9-16 overall record and a 6-12 standing in the Liberty League. The recognition of these four student-athletes serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication, both in their sport and their academic endeavors. As they continue to balance the demands of college basketball and their studies, their achievements inspire not only their teammates but the entire Ithaca College community.

As collegiate sports continue to evolve, the acknowledgment of such dual accomplishments in both athletics and academics becomes increasingly vital. The ability to thrive in the classroom while performing at a high level in sports showcases the well-rounded nature of these young athletes, setting a standard for future generations.