The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student- athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in their sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.

At the division three women's basketball Final Four in Hartford, Connecticut, Maddie Kellione was named the Elite 90 award winner with a 3.94 cumulative GPA as a physics major with minors in math, computer science, and biology. Kellione is the first Transylvania Pioneer to ever earn this prestigious award. After Transy advanced to the national championship with a 76-65 win over Smith College, where Kellione led the Pioneers with 24 points, it was decided that the Elite 90 award would be presented at the NCAA Salute in Dallas. 

The NCAA Salute was held on Wednesday night with all three divisions present as part of the celebration of 50 years of Title IX. Kellione was presented the award by NCAA DIII Women's Basketball Chairperson, Megan Wilson. Division one will be playing their final four and divisions two and three will play their championships on Saturday. The Pioneers will face Christopher Newport on Saturday at 12:00 PM EST. 

"Maddie has demonstrated a relentless commitment to excellence since arriving at Transy. Whether it's on the court or in the classroom, she performs at the highest level and is committed to her future goals. It's exciting to watch all of her hard work pay off and be the first Transy student-athlete to win this award," said Coach Fulks. 

This season, Kellione was also named a WBCA First Team All-American, D3Hoops First Team All-Region, HCAC First Team All-Conference, HCAC Co-Player of the Year, HCAC Tournament MVP, leading her team to the national championship game this weekend. 

"I am ecstatic for Maddie but also for each of her teammates. Someone doesn't become All-American without having those around them that continue to push them to excel each and every day. This is an exciting day for Transy and our athletic program," said Vice President of Athletics, Dr. Holly Sheilley.