It's been quite a fall for Cyclone Athletics. Among all the conference and region accolades, eight individuals and two teams have qualified to compete at the national tournament.

Over the years, the Cyclones have boasted a number of championships and national berths. However, this fall has seen the most in the department's existence.

The women's tennis first doubles team—Brooke Zielke and Jasmine Abunaim—were NJCAA Region IV champions in October. Abunaim also qualified at second singles for her undefeated season. They compete in Texas in May.

Three women (Calista Stefaniak, Victoria Granz, Madison Krisch) and three men (David Alvarez, Diego Arana, John Donovan) from the cross country teams also advanced to nationals in Kansas on Nov. 10. The women's team was crowned Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference champions, and Stefaniak became the Skyway Runner of the Year after finishing first.

Volleyball fell just short of a conference title, but defeated the champs to earn the region championship. They head to West Virginia for the national tournament Nov. 15-17. Additionally, three players were All-American nominees: Amanda Bulow, Abbi Fletcher and Noelle Knezz.

The women's soccer team continued to assert their dominance with a fourth consecutive conference and region title plus a berth to nationals, which start Nov. 12. They had two All-American nominees in Sylvia Kordaczka and Mairead Ruane.

"This is the most successful fall in terms of national qualifications. I think it shows the breadth of our recruiting efforts coupled with our Health, Fitness & Recreation facilities and the role that plays in recruiting the best local athletes," said Bill Finn, Athletics Director. "The coaching staff here has done a remarkable job of identifying top talent and placing our athletes in position to be competitive in every game. We are excited to give out teams this national tournament experience, one they will remember their entire lives."