PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Illinois State Executive Associate Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services Cindy Harris was named the 2025 South Central Region Administrator of the Year for her efforts overseeing the Redbird Gymnastics team, as announced by The Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) in their annual regional awards release.

The WCGA presents these prestigious awards to recognize outstanding achievement and leadership in coaching, athletic performance, and administration across the sport. The Sport Administrator of the Year award honors athletics administrators who have made a significant impact on their gymnastics programs and institutions. Selected by regional head coach vote, these individuals exemplify the spirit of support and excellence in collegiate athletics.

"These awards are a meaningful reflection of the dedication, innovation, and passion that define collegiate gymnastics," said Casey Jo MacPherson, Chair of the WCGA Board of Directors. "We are thrilled to honor this year's recipients and celebrate the impact they've had on their teams, institutions, and the broader gymnastics community."

In her 12th season working with gymnastics, Harris' primary role is to help elevate Illinois State to be the best gymnastics program in the Midwest Independent Conference, regionally and nationally. Harris works closely with Head Coach Bob Conkling and the rest of the Redbird staff to continue to find ways to provide resources and support for the Redbirds gymnasts that will allow them to win championships and advance to NCAA competition. 

In addition to her work locally at Illinois State, Harris has also served as a member of the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Committee for the past six years. Members of the committee are responsible for overseeing and making recommendations regarding various aspects of the sport at the collegiate level, including rule changes, equipment issues, and championship event operations. This includes ensuring quality championship events, coordinating all aspects of the championship, and managing the business aspects of the operation.

The Illinois State gymnastics program had a stellar year in 2025, finishing in the top 40 in the final Road To Nationals team rankings. The Redbirds rolled to a Midwest Independent Conference Championship for the second time in three seasons and had three gymnasts qualify for the NCAA Regionals in Washington in seniors Jaye Mack, Alana Laster and Sara Wabi.

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