UIS volleyball standout Makenna Cox has been named the Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month after a dominant stretch of performances that established her as one of the top players in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Cox, an outside hitter for the Prairie Stars, recorded 144 kills, a .243 attack percentage, 123 digs, 19 service aces, 17 blocks, and 19 assists during the month. She averaged 4.24 kills, 0.56 aces, 3.62 digs, and 0.50 blocks per set, ranking among the GLVC's elite in multiple categories and showcasing her impact on both sides of the game. Cox currently sits first in the conference in service aces (0.51 per set), fourth in kills (3.72 per set), and fourth in points (4.46 per set).
Her standout month was highlighted by being named the GLVC Offensive Player of the Week after the Midwest Regional Crossover, marking the program's first recipient of the award since the 2021 season. At the tournament, Cox turned in an outstanding weekend—totaling 51 kills and 62 points while hitting .314 across 11 sets. She also contributed 29 digs, eight service aces, six assists, and six assisted blocks, earning a spot on the Midwest Regional Crossover All-Tournament Team.
Cox opened the event with a 20-kill performance in a 3-1 win over Lake Superior State, followed by a dominant showing against Kentucky Wesleyan, where she recorded 15 kills, eight digs, five service aces, and hit an impressive .448.
A consistent and high-performing presence on the court, Cox continues to be one of the driving forces behind UIS Volleyball's success this season. This marks the second time she has earned the honor; she first won in September 2024.
Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month
Athlete of the Month honorees will be recognized at the end-of-year UIS Athletics banquet and will also be considered for UIS Male, Female, or Rookie of the Year, based on their respective categories.
The Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month award is presented in partnership with Jimmy John's on South 6th Street in Springfield, reflecting a shared commitment between Jimmy John's and UIS Athletics to celebrate excellence, teamwork, and achievement across all Prairie Star programs.
October 2025 Nominees
Makenna Cox, Volleyball
Erica Sledge, Volleyball
Mallory Herber, Women's Soccer
Gigi Yurevich, Women's Soccer
Robin Lemke Bergseth, Men's Soccer
Edoardo Pinna, Men's Soccer
Alisha Deogaonkar, Women's Tennis
Pablo Herrera, Men's Tennis
Madelyn Miller-Ross, Women's Cross Country
Brock Loftus, Men's Cross Country
Colin Graham, Men's Cross Country
Elaine Grant, Women's Golf
Vilgot Arleback, Men's Golf