Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's soccer graduate midfielder, Justina Gaynor, has been recognized with Second Team Academic All-America honors by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). This announcement marks a significant achievement for Gaynor as she becomes the first player in the program's history to be named a two-time CSC Academic All-American. Previously, she received First Team honors in 2023.

This accolade is part of a growing list of recognitions for Michigan State University (MSU) athletes. The Spartans have now earned five CSC Academic All-America awards overall, with three being awarded consecutively over the past three years. Laura (Heyboer) Heethius was the first Spartan to receive this honor in 2011, followed by Gabrielle Gauruder in 2015 and Ruby Diodati in 2022.

Gaynor's achievements extend beyond academic recognition. Hailing from Shelby Township, Michigan, she was named to the All-Big Ten First Team for the third consecutive year in 2024. She joins Laura Heyboer as one of only two Spartans to achieve at least three All-Big Ten First Team honors. Additionally, Gaynor was included in the United Soccer Coaches All-North Region First Team and received Third Team All-America honors from them as well.

Throughout her career at MSU, Gaynor made notable contributions on the field. She ranks ninth in assists with 20, 16th in points with 54, and 20th in total goals with 17 within MSU's record books. In her final season, she scored five game-winning goals and led her team with six assists.

Academically, Gaynor excelled by maintaining a perfect GPA while pursuing a master's degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration. Her academic accolades include being named CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten this season. Over her career at MSU, she has been recognized as a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

Gaynor is among six representatives from the Big Ten conference on this year's Academic All-America teams.