ATLANTA – EKU's Anouk Van Gils was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Women's Cross Country 2023 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, announced Wednesday by the league office. She is the first EKU runner in conference history to earn the accolade. 

Van Gils has a perfect 4.00 GPA as she is pursuing her master's degree in Exercise and Sport Science. The Netherlands native earned All-ASUN Second Team honors, posting a 5k time of 17:28.82, at the 2023 Championship. She posted a personal-best 6k time of 20:43.50 at the Crimson Classic on Oct. 13 where she earned a top 20 finish.She won the EKU Triangular 4k with a 14:14.00 in September to claim the Runner of the Week accolade. 

The Academic All-ASUN Team recognizes student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. All members of the team boast a 3.50 cumulative GPA or better and participated in at least half of their team's meets. 

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2023 Men's Cross Country Academic All-ASUN Team
Name                             GPA      School                       Cl     Academic Major
Anouk Van Gils              4.00       EKU                           Gr.    Exercise and Sport Science
Madeline Hill                  4.00       Central Arkansas       Jr.     Health Promotions
Ciara Miles                     3.91       Kennesaw State.       Jr.     Hospitality Management
Lindsay Ott                    4.00        Lipscomb                  Gr.     Biomolecular Science
Sage Betts                     4.00       North Alabama           Sr.     Nursing 
Gianna Forte                  4.00       North Florida              Sr.     Physical Therapy
Blair Durda                     3.94       Stetson                       Jr.     Psychology and Religious Studies