CLEVELAND, Ohio – Varri Higgins (Bethesda, Md./Chevy Chase) of the Northern Illinois University women's cross country team was named to the Mid-American Conference Academic All-MAC Team, announced by the league office on Friday (Jan. 9). 

A kinesiology major with a 3.759 grade point average, was the lone returnee for the Huskie cross country team this past fall and competed in five events, including the 2025 MAC Championship. 

The Academic All-MAC distinction honors student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding dedication to both their academic and athletic pursuits. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 and participate in at least 50% of their team's competitions during the season.