ROCHELLE — Before Lady Hub senior Jacie Wyatt graduates Rochelle Township High School and begins her academic journey at Colorado State University, she managed to earn one of the Illinois High School Association’s top academic honors for her performance both inside and outside the classroom this school year.

Wyatt was one of a select few student-athletes in Illinois who were given IHSA Academic All-State Honorable Mentions this school year. The three-sport standout was a key contributor for Rochelle’s volleyball and girls basketball teams, and she’ll look to end her high school athletic career with a strong finish for the girls track and field team this spring.

“I’m very honored to be selected,” Wyatt said. “I know there are many student-athletes to choose from in Illinois and I’m proud to be one of those choices. It’s nice to be recognized for my hard work… I’m looking forward to starting my life and the process of my future career… I’m excited about the next chapter in my life.”

The starting setter for Rochelle’s varsity volleyball team over the last three seasons, Wyatt has been a Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference First Team player in each of the last two years. The senior took home an Honorable Mention in girls basketball this winter, and when the Lady Hubs hit the track this spring, Wyatt will be gunning for top finishes at the state meet after qualifying in three events (400-meter relay, 800-meter relay and 1600-meter relay) last season.

“I’m definitely going to miss my teammates and coaches the most,” Wyatt said. “They have truly made my experiences the best that they could have been, and I’ll never forget the lessons they taught me, and all the laughs we’ve had over the years… I’ve been with the same teammates for most of my sports over the last four years and we all get along really well. They’re so close to my heart.”

Wyatt will be attending Colorado State University and studying business administration. Her two sisters are living in Colorado at the moment, and she said that the university felt like the right fit as soon as she visited the campus. She said she’s looking forward to learning new skills that will let her help people and their businesses thrive.

“Everyone was so friendly and I could really picture myself there,” Wyatt said. “I’m going to miss how positive and influential all the teachers at Rochelle were. They always helped whenever I needed it, and they all truly care about their students. They have taught me so many lessons that will carry on later in my life.”