Emme Steward has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week following a historic performance at the UIS Springfield Clinic Classic.

Steward helped lead UIS Softball to four wins, posting eight hits in nine at-bats for a .889 batting average, driving in 7 runs, and reaching base in every plate appearance but one for a .929 on-base percentage. She kept the Prairie Stars' offense rolling with a mix of timely hits, walks, and a hit-by-pitch, showing her ability to contribute in every way possible.

On Thursday against Lake Erie, Steward combined her two games by going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, scoring a run and drawing four walks. On Friday versus Thomas More, she went 5-for-6 across two games with five RBIs, two runs scored, and a hit-by-pitch. Shr was a constant threat throughout the week and was named to the UIS Springfield Clinic Classic All-Tournament Team.

Steward becomes the first UIS softball player to earn GLVC Player of the Week honors since Nyla Cooper on April 21, 2025.

The Prairie Stars are at the Springfield Clinic Dome again this week, set for games Thursday and Friday afternoon againg Ohio Dominican and Davenport.