The University of Illinois Springfield has announced the 2026 class of its Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program, honoring outstanding alumni under the age of 40 or within five years of graduation. Established by the Young Alumni Committee, the program celebrates individuals who demonstrate innovation, creativity, and early career success.

Among this year's honorees are 10 former UIS student-athletes whose careers reflect the impact of their experiences in Prairie Stars athletics, spanning professional sports, healthcare, coaching, business, and beyond.

Regina Bolin – A former UIS soccer student-athlete, Regina Bolin ('19) now serves as Director of Social Media and Digital Strategy at Kansas State Athletics. After a health setback during her time at UIS sidelined her temporarily, she found her path through an internship with UIS Athletics, launching a career in collegiate sports. 

Savannah Brannan – Savannah Brannan ('21), a standout distance runner for UIS cross country and track & field, now works as a DBS neurophysiologist with SpecialtyCare in Nashville. Tenn. After continuing her education at SIU Medicine, she contributes to improving patients' quality of life in the operating room while building on her academic research in neuroscience.

Erin Egolf – The most decorated player in UIS women's soccer history, Erin Egolf ('13, '15 MBA) is now the head women's soccer coach at Northern Michigan. A three-time All-GLVC selection and the UIS program's first all-region honoree, she transitioned quickly into coaching and continues to grow as a mentor of collegiate student-athletes.

Tina Harth – Tina (Buck) Harth ('13), a member of UIS softball's first NCAA Division II postseason team and Hall of Fame member, is now a senior marketing manager at WSP USA. She also founded The Buck Fastpitch Academy, impacting more than 1,000 young athletes while building a career rooted in leadership and mentorship.

Ashli King – Ashli King ('16), a former UIS softball student-athlete, now serves as an assistant coach for the Prairie Stars. After discovering her passion for coaching during her undergraduate years, she returned to her alma mater to help guide the next generation.

Emily Matsen – Emily Matsen ('18), a former UIS women's soccer student-athlete, is now Manager of Advanced Analytics for the Milwaukee Bucks. With a background in biology and data science, she has built a career blending analytics and sports at the professional level.

Edward Rose – Ed Rose ('20, '23) turned a lifelong passion for soccer into a career as Director of Coaching for the Springfield Area Soccer Association, where he focuses on mentorship and player development.

Chigozie Umeadi – Chigozie Umeadi ('12), a former UIS men's basketball student-athlete, is now Executive Director of Basketball Operations for the Chicago Bulls. After beginning his career with the NBA League Office, he returned to Chicago to contribute to the operations of one of the league's historic franchises.

Adam Unes – Adam Unes ('14, '16 MBA), a former UIS baseball captain, is Director of Analytics at Excel Sports Management. His career has included roles with the Chicago Cubs and leadership in data-driven strategy across major sports and brand clients.

Abby Vorreyer – Abby Vorreyer ('13), a former UIS women's golf student-athlete, is Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Operations at Illinois College, where she supports broad athletic department operations and student-athlete success.

In total, 19 alumni were recognized in the program's second year, including 10 former student-athletes. Honorees are selected through a nomination process conducted by the Young Alumni Committee and are featured across university publications, digital platforms, and campus events.

The recognition highlights the continued impact of UIS Athletics alumni, whose experiences as Prairie Stars continue to shape meaningful careers and communities well beyond campus. Click the bolded names above to learn more about each Promising Prairie Star through their own reflections.