Story Courtesy of Widener Athletics

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Widener Women's Track and Field graduate student Gabby Nye was honored with the 2026 NCAA Elite Scholar Athlete on Saturday (May 23) afternoon in La Crosse, Wis. at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

History is continued to be made by Shippensburg, Pa. native Gabby Nye as she becomes the first women in school history to be named an NCAA Elite Scholar Athlete. Nye joins over 400 Division III recipients in award history.

The Elite Scholar-Athlete award recognizes the true essence of student-athletes by honoring the individuals who have reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in their sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among their peers. The Elite Scholar-Athlete award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above academically who have participated in a sport for at least two years with their school. All ties are broken based on the number of credits completed.

"I'm so proud of Gabby for winning the NCAA Elite Scholar Athlete award," said Head Coach Tim Wilson. "It's a testament to her work ethic and passion for everything she does. Gabby has represented our program at the highest level possible as a student-athlete. It's been a honor to coach Gabby and I couldn't be happier for her and this honor!"

Nye's career is continued to be filled with historic moments as recent as Friday, May 22 in the steeplechase at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Nye would become the first in program history to be named first team all-american in the event after showing a 10:26.86. Her time would mark the fourth time in her collegiate career running the event.

The slew of accomplishments runs long as she has accumulated a CSC Academic All-American honor, four all-american designees, numerous all-regions, and a handful of MAC Track Athlete of the Year awards.

Throughout her time at Widener, Nye has held a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA as a biology/pre-physical therapy and Spanish major during her undergraduate years and recently graduated with Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a perfect 4.0. Her academic accomplishments shine as well with four Academic All-MAC selections and countless Widener Dean's List listings. Nye's involvement on campus can be seen through the Chester Community Clinic, Widener-Neumann, and an Honors Program mentor.