On March 25, 2025, three standout players from Michigan State University's women's basketball team were honored for their academic and athletic achievements, as they were named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators. The recipients, Theryn Hallock, Emma Shumate, and Grace VanSlooten, exemplify the balance between sports and academics, showcasing their talents both on the court and in the classroom.
Theryn Hallock, a junior guard from Grand Rapids, Michigan, had a remarkable season, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades. She played in all 32 games, starting 28, and finished the season as the third leading scorer on her team, averaging 13.3 points per game. In her academic pursuits, Hallock is majoring in advertising management and has achieved a commendable 3.50 GPA.
Emma Shumate, who hails from Dresden, Ohio, is in her first season at Michigan State after transferring from Ohio State. She also participated in all 32 games, starting seven, and was instrumental in her team’s performance, making 44 three-point field goals. Shumate is majoring in environmental economics and boasts an impressive 3.91 GPA.
Grace VanSlooten, a Toledo, Ohio native, had a breakout season after transferring from Oregon. She earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, leading her team with an average of 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. In the classroom, VanSlooten is majoring in communication and maintains a 3.65 GPA.
This recognition is significant, as it marks a notable achievement for the Spartans. Last season, guard Abbey Kimball was the first Spartan to earn Academic All-District honors since Matilda Ekh and Isaline Alexander were honored during the 2022-23 season. The last Spartan prior to that was Allyssa DeHaan in the 2008-09 season. The women's basketball team ended the season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 22-10 overall record. Under the leadership of head coach Robyn Fralick, who is the first Spartan women's basketball coach to reach the NCAA Tournament in her first two seasons, the team has shown great promise.
Meanwhile, the broader landscape of Michigan State athletics is thriving. The university is the only school in the country with both men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, and gymnastics qualifying for their respective 2025 NCAA tournaments. The men’s basketball team, led by Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, has advanced to the Sweet 16, continuing a tradition of excellence under his guidance.
Izzo's squad secured their spot in the Sweet 16 with a hard-fought 71-63 victory over New Mexico, marking Izzo's 16th appearance in this round. The Spartans, holding a No. 2 seed, will face the Ole Miss Rebels on March 28, 2025, at 7:09 p.m. ET in Atlanta, Georgia. The Rebels advanced by defeating North Carolina and Iowa State, making for an exciting matchup.
As the tournament progresses, the Spartans are not only focused on their current games but also navigating the complexities of the NCAA transfer portal, which opened just after their victory. Izzo expressed concerns about the timing of the portal's opening during the tournament, highlighting the distractions it poses for players. "I think it’s ridiculous that the NCAA or any other entity put these two things together," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to his current players and their success.
In addition to basketball, Michigan State’s hockey team is enjoying a stellar season, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation under head coach Adam Nightingale, who has a record of 69-34-9 in his first three seasons. The hockey team recently won its second consecutive Big Ten Championship and will face Cornell in their NCAA tournament matchup on March 27, 2025.
The gymnastics team has also made headlines, heading to NCAA Regionals for the fourth consecutive year. They finished second in the Big Ten Tournament with a score of 198.150, just 0.300 points behind UCLA. With Olympians Jordan Chiles and Brooklyn Moors scoring perfect 10s on floor, the Spartans are poised for success as they prepare to face No. 9 Kentucky, Ohio State, and Penn State in the Regionals on April 3, 2025.
As the winter sports season comes to a close, spring sports are heating up. The MSU baseball team is off to its best start since 2016, boasting a 16-7 record. Head coach Jake Boss noted that the success of other programs on campus elevates expectations for his team. "It’s a great atmosphere around here right now," he said, reflecting on the positive energy surrounding Spartan athletics.
In the midst of this success, the women's basketball team faced a tough end to their season, losing to No. 2 seed NC State in the NCAA tournament after defeating Ivy League champion Harvard. Coach Fralick expressed pride in her team's accomplishments, stating, "I’m really proud of our collective season, our players, and our seniors." Julia Ayrault, in her final season, averaged over 14 points and seven rebounds per game, while Grace VanSlooten led the team in scoring.
As Michigan State continues to excel across various sports, the community rallies behind its teams, celebrating their achievements and supporting their journeys. With the men's basketball team gearing up for its Sweet 16 matchup and the women's team reflecting on a successful season, Spartan pride remains strong in East Lansing.
