The Central AAU District has announced the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Program, awarding $10,000 scholarships to 10 exceptional student-athletes. These scholarships are paid directly to the recipients' colleges and universities. The award recognizes athletes who excel not only in their sports but also in academics, community service, and volunteer involvement. The winners represent a diverse range of sports including Diving, Track & Field, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Karate, and Gymnastics. They will attend prestigious institutions such as the University of Illinois - Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Tennessee State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and North Central College. The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) is committed to developing athletes both on and off the playing surface. In 2027, the award will be renamed in honor of Sheldon Staubitz, a longtime Central AAU and National AAU volunteer. Read on for complete details about the winners and their accomplishments.
USA Central AAU Scholarship Program Winners 2026 | $10,000 Awards
The AAU is committed to providing opportunities to develop athletes both on and off the playing surface. The winners of this year's Central AAU Scholarships are truly the complete athletes, showcasing good academic standing as well as strong community and volunteer involvement.
The Central AAU District is proud to announce the 10 recipients of the 2026 Central AAU Scholarship. Each of these outstanding student-athletes received a $10,000 scholarship to support their collegiate journey. These scholarships are awarded directly to the recipient's college or university.
The 2026 winners represent a wide range of sports, including diving, track and field, volleyball, taekwondo, karate, and gymnastics. They have demonstrated excellence in their athletic pursuits while maintaining strong academic records and actively contributing to their communities. Many have earned recognition as honor roll students, AP Scholars, National Honor Society members, and AAU All-Americans. The AAU is honored to celebrate these exceptional student-athletes for their impact on their respective communities. We look forward to seeing where they go from here and are grateful to be able to aid them in beginning their collegiate journey.
In 2027, the award will be renamed in honor of Sheldon Staubitz, a longtime Central AAU and National AAU volunteer. Information on the 2027 scholarships will be available in the coming months.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Scholarship Name: Central AAU Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: $10,000 per recipient
- Number of Recipients: 10
- Eligibility: Student-athletes with good academic standing, strong community involvement, and athletic achievement
- Payment: Awarded directly to the recipient's college/university
- Year: 2026
- Future Name Change: Renamed in honor of Sheldon Staubitz for 2027
- Official Organization: Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
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What the AAU Scholarship Represents
The AAU scholarship program recognizes student-athletes who excel in three key areas:
Academic Excellence:
- Recipients have demonstrated strong academic performance, including honor roll recognition, AP Scholar awards, and National Honor Society membership
- Many winners ranked in the top percentages of their graduating classes
Athletic Achievement:
- Winners have competed at the highest levels, including AAU National Championships, AAU Junior Olympic Games, and IHSA State meets
- Many have earned AAU All-American honors and multiple first-place finishes
Community Service and Leadership:
- Recipients have volunteered with organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta, Feed the Hopeless, local food pantries, and youth coaching programs
- Many have served as team captains, club presidents, and peer leaders
The AAU's commitment:
- The AAU is committed to providing opportunities to develop athletes both on and off the playing surface
- This scholarship program is a testament to that commitment
Meet the 2026 Central AAU Scholarship Recipients
Nicole Kuchyt - Diving
Hometown: Lockport, IL
University: University of Illinois – Chicago
Major: Special Education
Athletic Achievements:
- Earned a scholarship to continue diving at the Division 1 level
- Captain of her high school dive team for all 4 years
- Named MVP of her dive team
- 3-year IHSA qualifier
- Started with AAU Gymnastics, then moved to AAU Diving
Academic Achievements:
-
Earned high honor roll recognition each year
Nate Jackson - Diving
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
University: University of Pennsylvania
Major: Economics
Athletic Achievements:
- IHSA All State Honors
- NISCA All American
- AAU All-American honors (6x)
- Competed at AAU Diving National Championships
Academic Achievements:
- High honor roll
- National Top School Recognition Award
- National Hispanic Recognition Award
- AP Scholar with Distinction
Community Involvement:
- Coaches and lifeguards
- Member of Future Business Leader of America and Future Lawyers of America societies
- Part of the Varsity Dive Club
Shaniyah Rutledge - Track & Field
Hometown: Chicago, IL
University: Tennessee State University
Major: Criminal Justice
Athletic Achievements:
- Earned a scholarship for track & field
- Has run AAU Track & Field since 2023
- Also participated in cheerleading
Academic Achievements:
-
Honor roll
Community Involvement:
- Volunteered with Delta Sigma Theta
- Volunteered with Feed the Hopeless
Addison Kessler - Volleyball
Hometown: Cary, IL
University: University of Wisconsin – Stout
Major: Early Childhood Education
Athletic Achievements:
- Northwest Herald All Area Honorable Mention
- Dedicated volleyball player for Cary Grove
- Played AAU Volleyball for 5 years
- Coaches a 12U team
Community Involvement:
- Volunteered as a coach for Balance Buddies Volleyball Club
- Delivered holiday gifts to families in need
Yuriy Rogachev - Taekwondo
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
University: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Major: Applied Mathematics
Athletic Achievements:
- 1st place for Olympic Sparring at 2022 AAU Taekwondo National Team Trials
- 1st place at 2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games
Academic Achievements:
- High Honor Roll
- ISAC 2026-27 IL State Award
- School Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement
- College Board National Recognition Program
- Scholar with Distinction College Board Award
- Spanish National Honor Society Award
- Illinois State Biliteracy Seal for Russian and English
- AP Scholar with Honor College Board Award
Community Involvement:
- Volunteered at local food pantries
- Served as Church Service Accompanist
Abriana Bruns - Volleyball
Hometown: Johnsburg, IL
University: Monmouth College
Major: Chemistry and Education
Scholarships Received:
- Academic Dean's Scholarship
- Richard "Doc" Kieft Scholarship for Chemistry
Athletic Achievements:
- Four-year academic all-state in volleyball
- AVCA Team Academic Award in 2024
- Attended AAU Volleyball Nationals for the last 4 seasons
Academic Achievements:
- Ranked 1st in class
- Top 10% of honor roll
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- Spanish Seal of Biliteracy
- National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society (both years)
- National Honor Society President
Community Involvement:
-
Involved with student council all 4 years
Gabriel Moy - Karate
Hometown: Chicago, IL
University: Undecided
Major: Business
Athletic Achievements:
- Competed in AAU Karate since 2015
- Earned a 3rd degree black belt
Academic Achievements:
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- College Board National Recognition
- Illinois State Scholar
- National Honor Society
- National Chinese Honor Society
Community Involvement:
- Boys with Books - promoting literacy skills
- Chicago Dragons Athletic Association
- Chicago Chinatown Special Events - promoting Chinese culture and diversity
- Midwest Asian Health Association
Lilyana Prentiss - Gymnastics
Hometown: Mendota, IL
University: North Central College
Major: Exercise Science (then onto Doctorate in Physical Therapy)
Athletic Achievements:
- Multi-sport athlete: track, cheerleading, and gymnastics
- Earned multiple first place All-Around finishes
- 2025 Midwest Regional Champion
Academic Achievements:
-
Honor roll recognition all 4 years
Community Involvement:
- Ran numerous fundraisers, raffles, and popcorn sales
- Volunteered with Little Kids Cheer Clinic
Logan McCabe - Track & Field
Hometown: Pontiac, IL
University: North Central College
Major: Electrical Engineering (on scholarship)
Athletic Achievements:
- Competed in AAU Junior Olympic Games in cup stacking (2018, 2022)
- Pole vaulted at AAU Junior Olympic Games (2024, 2025) – placed 9th in 2025
- Played Men's Volleyball in addition to track
Academic Achievements:
- National Honor Society
- National Technical Honor Society
- Digital Media Junior Award (2025)
- Digital Media Senior Award (2026)
- High Honor Roll (2022-2026)
Community Involvement:
- Worked on School Newspaper
- School Yearbook Club as School Photographer/Videographer
- Volunteered as school office aid and banner designer
Kaleigh Bell - Track & Field
Hometown: Urbana, IL
University: Davenport University, Michigan
Major: Medical Biology Science
Athletic Achievements:
- AAU Junior Olympic qualifier in 2025
- Athlete of the Month
- Outstanding Runner
- MVP Girls Varsity Track
- AAU Track & Field member since 2012
Academic Achievements:
- Academic monogram award
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Outstanding academic achievement of art
Scholarships Received:
- Achievement scholarship
- Athletic scholarship
Community Involvement:
- Sang in community choir
- Volunteered as camp counselor and peer leader
Why the AAU Scholarship Matters
The Central AAU Scholarship Program recognizes the whole student-athlete – not just athletic performance, but also:
- Academic achievement - Many winners are honor roll students, AP Scholars, and National Honor Society members
- Community service - Recipients have volunteered with food pantries, youth coaching, cultural events, and community organizations
- Leadership - Winners have served as team captains, club presidents, and peer leaders
The AAU is honored to celebrate these exceptional student-athletes for their impact on their respective communities. We look forward to seeing where they go from here and are grateful to be able to aid them in beginning their collegiate journey.
What's Next: The Sheldon Staubitz Scholarship
In 2027, the award will be renamed in honor of Sheldon Staubitz, a longtime Central AAU and National AAU volunteer.
Key information:
- The scholarship will be renamed for 2027
- Information on the 2027 scholarships will be available in the coming months
- The legacy of recognizing exceptional student-athletes continues
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Central AAU Scholarship?
A $10,000 scholarship awarded to 10 exceptional student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
Q2: How many scholarships are awarded each year?
10 scholarships are awarded annually.
Q3: Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Student-athletes who have good academic standing, strong community and volunteer involvement, and athletic achievement.
Q4: How is the scholarship paid?
The scholarship is paid directly to the recipient's college or university.
Q5: What sports are represented?
Diving, Track & Field, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Karate, and Gymnastics.
Q6: Where do the winners attend college?
Institutions include University of Illinois – Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Tennessee State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin – Stout, Monmouth College, North Central College, and Davenport University.
Q7: What is the AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union is committed to providing opportunities to develop athletes both on and off the playing surface.
Q8: Will there be scholarships in 2027?
Yes. In 2027, the award will be renamed in honor of Sheldon Staubitz. Information will be available in the coming months.
Q9: What does the scholarship recognize?
Academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service/volunteer involvement.
Q10: Who is Sheldon Staubitz?
A longtime Central AAU and National AAU volunteer, in whose honor the scholarship will be renamed in 2027.
Official Source - https://aausports.org/news/26-central-scholarships-winners/
