Seven athletes from the Illinois women’s basketball team were named Academic All-Big Ten honorees Wednesday. That amount is the most for a women’s basketball roster this season and the highest total in Illinois’ history.

Head coach Theresa Grentz was extremely proud of her players.

“What a great tribute to these young women,” Grentz said. “(I) take my hat off to them.”

The athletes recognized were sophomores Lori Bjork, Chelsea Gordon, Danielle Gratton, Erin McCarthy and Lacey Simpson. Junior Stephanie Chelleen and lone senior Erin Wigley were honored as well.

Bjork was particularly pleased that Illinois led the Big Ten in this prestigious category.

“Every person makes a choice whether they’re going to take academics seriously or not, so I am really proud of my teammates for stepping up and doing that,” Bjork said.

Wigley added that women’s basketball wasn’t doing as well academically as many other athletic teams when she just entered the team, and she’s pleased to see this group of athletes recognized for their dedication. Grentz notices the hard work, too.

“Obviously, they’ve taken care of business in the classroom,” Grentz said.

Additionally, Grentz said faculty, teachers and mentors should be congratulated.

To earn Academic All-Big Ten status, athletes have to be letter winners and be in at least their second academic year where they are competing. They must have a career grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

“It’s important,” Bjork said. “Particularly women’s basketball, we know we’re not going to go and make millions of dollars, so we’re going to have to go out in the real world with our GPA at some point and say, ‘Hey, hire me.’ “