Hunter Stepanich, a senior at York High School, has been named to the 2026 Illinois High School Association All-State Academic Team, earning statewide recognition for his excellence in the classroom, commitment to athletics, and leadership within the school community.
Illinois High School Association announced the 26-member team on February 21, selecting honorees from across the state who exemplify the ideals of education-based athletics and activities. Stepanich was one of just 26 students chosen from hundreds of nominees representing IHSA member schools throughout Illinois.
This is a tremendous honor and a reflection of Hunter’s dedication both academically and athletically,” Assistant Principal for Athletics Rob Wagner said. “His selection to the IHSA All-State Academic Team speaks to the high standards he has set for himself in the classroom while competing at a high level across multiple sports. Hunter exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete, balancing academic expectations with leadership, discipline, and commitment to his teams and school community.”
Honorees will be recognized at an IHSA banquet on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Bloomington.
To be eligible for the All-State Academic Team, students must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale after their seventh semester, participate in at least two IHSA-sponsored sports or activities during each of their final two years of high school, and demonstrate outstanding citizenship. Nominees are evaluated by a committee of IHSA principals, athletic directors, and activities directors, with selections made across the association’s seven board divisions and additional at-large spots awarded statewide.
Stepanich distinguished himself through a rare combination of academic rigor and multi-sport athletic achievement. At York, he competes in basketball, football, and volleyball, balancing the demands of three varsity-level programs.
His success will carry over to the next level as Stepanich plans to attend Princeton University next year, where he will continue his athletic career by playing both volleyball and football.
As one of the state’s top student-athletes, Stepanich’s selection places him among an elite group as he begins the next chapter of his academic and athletic journey at Princeton next fall.