FARMINGTON, Utah – Idaho State football wide receiver Michael Shulikov and women's soccer midfielder Mary Za have been selected as the Bengals' recipients of the 2025-26 Big Sky Conference Scholar-Athlete awards, the conference announced Thursday.
The annual award recognizes two student-athletes from each Big Sky institution who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievement, athletic success and service to their campus communities. A total of 23 student-athletes received the honor this season.
"Putting together an entire career that would qualify you to be a Scholar Athlete in the Big Sky Conference is an incredibly impressive feat, and all 23 individuals being honored today should be very proud of themselves for what they've accomplished," Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. "This is a group that has compiled a long list of accolades for their respective sports and are now putting a bow on their stellar careers with a diploma in hand, which is truly what collegiate athletics is all about."
Shulikov completed his Idaho State career following a breakout 2025 season in which he appeared in all 12 games and led the Bengals with 51 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 76.6 receiving yards per game and earned All-Big Sky Honorable Mention recognition following the season.
The Meridian, Idaho, native recorded single-game career highs with 10 receptions and 124 receiving yards at Montana State. He also caught two touchdown passes against Lincoln University and recorded a career-long 52-yard reception against Weber State.
Shulikov appeared in 27 games during his final three seasons at Idaho State, finishing with 76 receptions for 1,180 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. He also completed a 15-yard touchdown pass on a trick play during the 2025 campaign.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Shulikov served as president of Idaho State's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during the 2024-25 academic year. As part of that role, he represented Idaho State student-athletes at the conference level.
Za concluded her four-year Idaho State career after appearing in 68 matches for the Bengals. She earned All-Big Sky Honorable Mention recognition following the 2025 season and was named to the Big Sky Fall All-Academic Team all four seasons.
The Fairfax, Virginia, native played in all 17 matches and made 16 starts during her senior season. Za tied for the team lead with three goals while adding three assists for nine points. She recorded 32 shots, placed 12 on goal and scored one game-winning goal in 1,364 minutes of action.
Za appeared in all 17 matches in 2024, making eight starts and recording one assist. She played in 18 matches with seven starts during the 2023 season, totaling eight points on 21 shots. As a freshman in 2022, Za appeared in 16 contests and recorded four shots on goal.
A double major in finance and marketing with a minor in visual media, Za was also a member of the Idaho State Honors Program and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She founded and served as president of the Black Student-Athletes of ISU organization.
Shulikov and Za represent the academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership and community involvement celebrated through the Big Sky Conference Scholar-Athlete award.
