LAS VEGAS — Illinois Wesleyan University's Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, Katie Gonzales received two awards at the 2024 College Sports Communicators Convention in Las Vegas last Wednesday, June 12. Gonzales was presented with the CSC Rising Star award in addition to the CSC President's Award for her outstanding work with the organization's Academic All-America committee. 

Gonzales, who became Illinois Wesleyan's first female director of athletic communications, is wrapping up her fifth year as IWU's Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications and her 10th year in the industry. Gonzales was recognized as one of two 2024 CSC Rising Stars in the College Division. The Rising Star award is presented annually to CSC members in the University Division (NCAA DI) and in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian institutions) – with 10 years of service or less whose work at their institution, conference office or intercollegiate athletics-affiliated association and service, dedication, energy and enthusiasm to the profession make that individual a "rising star" in athletics communications.

In addition to being this year's Rising Star, Gonzales was selected by CSC Past President John Paquette, with the annual President's Award – honoring exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the organization's committee structure in support of programs that benefit its members. Gonzales received the award for her commitment to the Academic All-America Committee where she's been a member since 2018. Since then, Gonzales has served in a variety of roles for the program including Coordinator of Operations, Vice Chair, before being named the Academic All-America Core Committee Chair in November 2023.

Since Gonzales arrived on campus, Illinois Wesleyan has seen 18 Titans be named to the CSC Academic All-America teams for their outstanding achievements both academically and athletically with five Titans earning the distinction more than once including Matthew Leritz who was named the College Division Academic All-American of the Year in 2022. 

As of April 23, 2024 Illinois Wesleyan has had 152 Academic All-Americans (65 first team, 44 second team, and 43 third team). IWU's total ranks 24th across all NCAA Divisions and ninth-most in Division III.

Along with her engagement in national committees, Gonzales serves as IWU's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Committee Chair and is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

The Rising Star and President's Awards come just months after Gonzales was named a National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) Emerging Leader Award recipient.