Illinois State gymnastics earns four conference awards

SHREVEPORT, La. — It was an eventful night for Illinois State gymnastics at the 2025 Midwest Independent Conference awards banquet.

The Redbirds earned four conference honors for their performance during the 2025 season. 

Jaye Mack earned the MIC Co-Athlete of the Year and was named the MIC's Woman of the Year. 

For five years in a row, a Redbird has earned the Athlete of the Year honor. Mack followed four consecutive wins by alumni Angelica Labat, who won from 2021-24. 

Mack competed in every meet on vault, beam and floor this season and is ranked second in the MIC on vault and third on floor, where she will compete for her fourth MIC title. 

Mack's Woman of the Year honor is the first in program history, the MIC Woman of the Year honor is awarded to an athlete based on academics, service and leadership.

Alana Laster earned the MIC's Senior of the Year award, which was voted on by the league's head coaches. 

Laster is the first Redbird gymnast to earn the award since 2020 when Gabrielle Cooke was awarded the honor. Laster is a two-time NCAA Regional qualifier and ranks No. 36 in the country.  

Laster is ranked first in the conference in individual national qualifying score for vault and floor. 

ISU head coach Bob Conkling earned the MIC Coach of the Year for the second time in his coaching tenure.

Conkling previously earned the award in 2022 and in his 20th season will try to lead the Redbirds to their second conference title in three seasons.

ISU heads into the MIC championship meet, leading the conference in NQS at 195.545 and the highest average score in the MIC at 195.169.