Fayette's Eckert, Schuylkill's Owens Named John Egli Outstanding Student-Athletes

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State University Athletic Conference announced its 2026 John S. Egli Outstanding Student-Athlete Award recipients on Monday, as Emma Eckert and Ashton Owens received the prestigious accolade. The Egli Award is presented annually to a male and female student-athlete who exemplify excellence in the classroom, in their sport, and in their community, recognizing their whole contribution to campus and not just athletic ability.

Eckert, a fourth year women's volleyball player at Penn State Fayette, has had an exceptional career as a leader and athlete at her campus. Eckert has been named a PSUAC All-Conference performer as a setter, including Second Team honors in 2024 and Honorable Mention recognition in 2025. Eckert's team won the West Division in 2024 and also played in the USCAA National Championship tournament where they finished fourth in 2023. During her career, Eckert dished out more than 1,400 assists, including a career best 566 in 2023.

Owens, a third year runner and men's volleyball player at Penn State Schuylkill, has excelled in cross country and track and field, earning three top five finishes in the PSUAC Invitational, including a first-place finish in 2024. Owens has been named Schuylkill's John Fritz Sportsmanship recipient in cross country. 

Both Eckert and Owens have been named Student-Athlete of the Year in their respective sports in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, a national award given annually to the student-athletse that exemplify values on and off the playing field. Owens won the award in track and field in 2025 while Eckert won the award for women's volleyball in 2023.

Outside of their sports, both students excel in the classroom with GPA's above 3.75. Eckert, a psychology major, intends to continue her academic career to pursue a degree in counseling and plans to become a school counselor. Owens is currently a biology major with plans to attend medical school upon completion of his degree.

Owens has prepped for his medical career as an EMT and lifeguard, while also taking part in the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center Scholars program, which aims to improve access to primary care in underserved areas. Students taking part in this program are provided opportunities to prepare for medical school through programming and get glimpses of the challenges facing rural healthcare.

Eckert has been heavily involved in the Miracle League of PA, an organization that provides playing opportunities to children with disabilities. Driven by a closeness with her brother, who faced disabilities before passing away last year, Emma has also been part of a charity foundation developed in honor of her brother. Team Ian Charities strives to provide resources and funding to assist families of children with disabilities to ensure they can access services and support.

The Egli Award recipients are selected by the PSUAC Awards Committee after review of nominations from PSUAC member campuses. Award winners are presented their award at their campus' student awards banquet and are invited to take part in the University's All-U Day at a Penn State football game.

Check the PSUAC's social media pages for interviews with and acceptance speeches from both Ashton and Emma.