A dual-sport star in basketball and softball, Jo Lehmkuhl was a four-year starter in both sports and the first woman in Illinois College history to letter all four years in softball. A first baseman and pitcher on the softball team, Lehmkuhl won the Most Dedicated Award in her senior season. That same year, as a co-captain of the women's basketball team, she was named the Most Valuable Player on the team after leading the Lady Blues in scoring, rebounding and assists. She took home the 1984 Doris B. Hopper Award, and, after her playing days were over, has been recognized three times as an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's Coach of the Year.