The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has selected the 16 Senior boys and 16 Senior girls to receive the prestigious, statewide 2025 Scholar-Athlete Award, presented by the We Energies Foundation and the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation.
#PointerNation’s Ellen Robinson has been named a recipient, becoming only the fifth Pointer ever to be recognized, joining Ella Chambers in 2022, Isaac Lindsey in 2020, Sydney Staver in 2017, and Ryan McGuire in 2010.
In cross country, Robinson is a four-time team MVP, four-time conference MVP, four-time first team all-conference performer, and four-time first team all-state selection. She finished fourth at State as a Freshman while helping the Dodge-Point team bring home a State Championship trophy and the team earned the State Runner-Up trophy as a Sophomore. On the track, she is an eight-time individual conference champion, nine-time regional champion and a nine-time sectional champion. On the basketball court, the Pointers earned the conference championship her Senior year.
She writes in her essay, “My experiences in cross country, track, and basketball have shaped me into a more responsible, determined team player and student. They have taught me the importance of perseverance, time management, and the value of working toward a goal—the discipline and structure of athletics carried over to my academics.”
She will attend South Dakota State University to study agronomy and animal science while continuing her career in cross country and track.
To determine the top 32 award recipients, four boys and four girls were selected based on both athletic and academic achievement from each of the four WIAA divisions. This year, 806 seniors were nominated for the award by 415 high schools throughout the state. More than 1,245 Scholar-Athlete recipients have been recognized since the program began in 1984.
“Each of these outstanding student-athletes has excelled in academics and athletics,” WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “Together they hold an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.96. Collectively, they’ve already earned 306 varsity letters–an average of 9.56 per athlete–with spring sports still underway. Their dedication both in the classroom and in competition is inspiring.”
The 2025 WIAA Scholar Athlete recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Sunday, May 4 at SentryWorld in Stevens Point. The keynote speaker will be Mike ‘Jocko’ Jacques, an award-winning, Emmy-nominated journalist and Wisconsin native.
A livestream of the awards program will be available on the websites of the State Television Network stations, including WXOW-TV, WQOW-TV, WAOW-TV, WKOW-TV, WVTV and WCWF at approximately 1:20 pm on May 4. A delayed telecast of the ceremony will be aired on a future date.
2025 Scholar Athlete Finalists
DIVISION 1 – BOYS
John Kubisch, Hartland Arrowhead High School
Ryan Lang, Sheboygan North High School
Paolo Pagnucci, Superior High School
Ray Pember, Menomonie High School
DIVISION 1 – GIRLS
Mackenzie Babcock, Monona Grove High School
Jacquelyn Cox, Hartland Arrowhead High School
Ella Opie, Pewaukee High School
Kate Schmoll, West De Pere High School*
DIVISION 2 – BOYS
Layne Aurit, Dodgeville High School
Jack Hefty, Whitewater High School
Kyle Hehli, West Salem High School
Ben Krauklis, Lake Mills Lakeside Lutheran High School*
DIVISION 2 – GIRLS
Megan Johnson, West Salem High School
Hailie Krueger, New London High School
Ellie Schiszik, Elk Mound High School
Addison Schliewe, Sheboygan Falls High School
DIVISION 3 – BOYS
Blake Thiry, Prairie du Chien High School
Jacob Thornton, La Crosse Aquinas High School
Jack Tubbs, Stratford High School
Jack Schmeling, Onalaska Luther High School
DIVISION 3 – GIRLS
Molly Duel, Laconia High School*
Reese Grimm, Pittsville High School
Lexi Kuffel, Cameron High School
Ellen Robinson, Mineral Point High School
DIVISION 4 – BOYS
Jesse DeBauch, Gillett High School
Oliver Post, Potosi High School
Isaac Scheer, Marshfield Columbus Catholic High School*
Jared Schultz, Minong Northwood High School
DIVISION 4 – GIRLS
Kamdan Johnson, Florence High School
Sarah Shaw, Wisconsin Rapids Assumption High School
Emily Sorensen, Williams Bay Faith Christian High School
Kendall Weiler, Owen-Withee High School
*Indicates the student is that school’s first statewide winner.