The NDSU women’s track and field team was represented by five Bison on the Summit League Academic All-League team for the 2021 outdoor season.

Maddy Nilles, Amanda Anderson, Shelby Gunnells, Annika Rotvold and Bailey Cowling all earned the honor by virtue of their athletic and academic achievements.

Nilles, from Sherrill, Iowa, was a first team All-American and the Summit League champion in the hammer throw. She earned her master’s degree in health, nutrition and exercise science with a 4.0 grade point average. 

Anderson, of Bethel, Minnesota, claimed her second Summit League championship in the discus. She has a 4.0 GPA with a major in physical education.

Gunnells, Solon, Iowa, was named the NCAA Elite 90 Award winner for having the highest cumulative GPA – a 4.0 in geology – at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, where she placed 11th in the shot put.

Rotvold, from Hillsboro, North Dakota, placed second in the 1500-meter run and third in the 5,000 at the Summit League Championships, and claimed a spot at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds in the 1,500. Rotvold earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and has a 4.0 working toward a master’s degree in health, nutrition and exercise science.

Cowling, Lincoln, Nebraska, has a 4.0 GPA as an art major. She ranked third in the league for the high jump this season and placed fourth at the Summit League Championships.

To be eligible for the team, a student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30, completed at least one full academic year at the current institution and participated in 50 percent of their team’s competitions. The award is voted on by the institutions’ faculty athletic representatives and sports information directors.

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