Dupage Policy Journal

Carroll University senior Olivia Rangel and Illinois Wesleyan University senior Lauren Huber have been named among the 10 finalists for the Jostens Trophy. This award, established by the Rotary Club of Salem and sponsored by Jostens, Inc., recognizes the top men's and women's Division III basketball players each year.

The Jostens Trophy evaluates candidates based on basketball ability, academic achievements, and community service. It aligns with the Rotary International motto "Service Above Self," honoring student-athletes who exemplify these qualities. The award has been presented annually since 1998.

Both Rangel and Huber were recently selected unanimously for the All-CCIW First Team. Rangel was also recognized as the Lori Kerans CCIW Most Outstanding Student-Athlete. She completed her season ranked 35th in Division III for scoring average with 18.7 points per game, leading her conference in assists per game (4.7) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.51). Her performance also placed her second in steals per game within her conference.

Rangel's accomplishments include breaking Carroll University's career records for assists and steals, as well as setting a new single-season record for steals. A Communications and Spanish major from Franklin, Wisconsin, she helped lead Carroll to an 18-9 season record.

Huber played a key role in Illinois Wesleyan's successful season, guiding them to both regular season and tournament titles in their conference. The team achieved a remarkable start of 20-0 this season under her leadership, heading into the Sweet Sixteen with a 28-1 record.

Huber is Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer with an average of 15.3 points per game along with 8 rebounds per contest. She broke the school's all-time scoring record this year while being third all-time in rebounding at IWU.

Academically accomplished as well, Huber is a biology major who has received multiple honors including Academic All-District recognition from College Sports Communicators in both 2023 and 2024.

The finalists will be evaluated by a national selection committee comprising athletic administrators, coaches, past recipients of the trophy, and members of Division III media from across the country. The winners are expected to be announced after reviewing nominees following national championship events next week.