Two more school records helped NIU’s Janay Mitchell earn the MAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week award, according to a press release.

The conference announced Wednesday that Mitchell had earned the weekly honor for the second time this season.

“It’s great to start out the season with an honor from the MAC with Janay Mitchell being recognized as the Athlete of the Week,” said NIU coach Connie Teaberry. “Janay’s been working really hard through some injuries, so we’re excited that she’s still able to perform at a high level. We expect more to come from her in the next couple weeks.”

During the UCF Black & Gold Challenge in Orlando, Fla., the Teaneck, N.J. native broke two school records and had three top five finishes. In the 300 meters, Mitchell recorded a time of 24.07, breaking the previous record by a full tenth of a second. Mitchell’s time good enough for fourth place in the 200 meters.

Running the second leg of the 4×100 relay, Mitchell helped the Huskies set a time of 45.51, which earned them third play. Mitchell finished the day in the 100 meters event with a PR run of 1.84.

Hoffman to receive NCAA postgraduate scholarship

After finishing her four-year career with NIU volleyball, Kristin Hoffman, along with 58 student-atheltes,, will receive an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, according to a press release.

“What Kristin has accomplished at Northern Illinois is simply outstanding,” said Jeff Compher, NIU Associate V.P./Director of Athletics, in a press release. “This honor is a testament to how hard she works, as well as the athletic and academic abilities that made her an All-American both on and off the court. We congratulate Kristin on this award and her incredible career, and wish her the best as she pursues her law degree.”

In 2010 and 2011, Hoffman became the first NIU volleyball player to be named an Academic All-American. She also earned honorable mention American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American this past season.

“Such a small, selective group received this,” Hoffman said in a press release. “I’m shocked and grateful that I received it. I really have to thank Dr. [Matthew] Streb because I didn’t even know about the scholarship. He helped me with the nomination process. It’s crazy. I’m just very thankful.”

Three other former NIU players received the postgraduate scholarship, men’s basketball players T.J. Lux and Tim Dillon and men’s gymnast Doug Kieso. All three are members of the NIU Hall of Fame.

“The scholarship itself will help tremendously for law school in the fall,” Hoffman said in a press release. “This fall was just a great ending to my career here. I’m looking forward to law school. Getting into law school and choosing a school to go to has been exciting and nerve-racking.

Receiving this scholarship is a testament to where NIU is going and how we are being recognized nationally. There is definitely potential for future athletes at NIU to receive this. I’m just grateful to be a part of the NIU athletics family.”