Karlie McKenzie from Eastern Illinois softball has been named the Panthers 2025-26 Female Athletic Director Award winner as the athletic department announces its end of year awards for this past academic year.
 
McKenzie wrapped up her Eastern Illinois softball career helping pitch the Panthers to their third straight Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship and second straight OVC Tournament championship.  The senior earned her second straight OVC Tournament MVP honor this past season as EIU advanced to the NCAA Regional in Stillwater, Oklahoma after winning the OVC tournament.  During her career she was a first team All-OVC selection in 2025 and ended her career with the third best winning percentage in school history.  In the circle she recorded 283 strikeouts which tied for the eighth most in school history.   In the classroom, McKenzie was twice named an Academic All-District selection and NFCA Scholar-Athlete while earning OVC Academic Medal of Honor accolades.  She was a team leader and active with the softball team in several of their community activities.  
 
The Athletic Director Award is presented to a senior student-athlete completing their athletic eligibility following the 2025-26 academic year.  The award is a culmination of their success not only in their sport of competition but also success in the classroom, demonstration of team leadership and active participation in the community through individual or team activities. 

A total of five EIU student-athletes were named candidates for the award with McKenzie joined by Lilli Amettis (volleyball / beach volleyball), Genevieve Biberdorf (swimming), Kate Germano (soccer) and Brenda Torres (cross country / track)
 
EIU will name its winner for the EIU Male AD Award on Tuesday to wrap up the month of June.  Last week Rylan Gick from softball was named this year's EIU Female Newcomer with Mason Miller from football named the EIU Male Newcomer of the Year.  Lizzie Stiverson from softball was this year's EIU Female Athlete of the Year.