Dear Prairie Star Nation,
As I reach the one-year mark since I joined the UIS team on June 16, 2024, I wanted to share some thoughts on the first year and open a new channel of communication that I plan to use more often in the coming year.
The UIS men's basketball program has announced the hiring of Zack Jadzak as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season. Jadzak brings a wealth of experience from several strong NCAA Division III programs and a proven track record of success both on the court and in recruiting.
The College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District baseball teams have been announced, with three Prairie Stars earning the honor for their combined success on the field and in the classroom in 2025.
Mark Kattula, Mack Clark, and Adam Lindsey were selected as the honorees from UIS. Kattula advances to the CSC Academic All-America ballot based on his exceptional athletic achievements during the 2025 season.
The College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District softball teams have been announced, with five Prairie Stars earning the honor for their combined success on the field and in the classroom.
Ella Brinkley, Rosie Bartletti, Addyson McClure, Isabella Wilson, and Taylor Zawacki were selected as the honorees from UIS. Brinkley, Bartletti, and Zawacki advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot based on their exceptional athletic achievements in 2025.
The Superhero Hustle 5K, hosted by Downtown Kiwanis and presented by Springfield Clinic, is set for Saturday, June 28, at Scheels in Springfield. Proceeds from the event will benefit both The James Project and UIS soccer.
The family-friendly fun run encourages participants to dress as their favorite superheroes—costumes are welcome and encouraged. Participants can run or walk at their own pace, and all youth participants who register will receive a superhero cape. Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for youth.
Prairie Stars pitcher Mark DeCicco has been named the Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month for May, following a pair of standout performances that capped off a strong season on the mound for the junior right-hander.
DeCicco delivered two strong starts in May, including a dominant outing against Quincy in the GLVC Tournament, where he tossed a complete-game, nine-inning shutout to keep UIS in the winner's bracket. The performance earned DeCicco a spot on the GLVC All-Tournament Team and marked his fourth complete game of the season.
UIS Athletics has officially named Emmons King the head coach of the Prairie Stars cross country and track & field program, removing the interim title he has held since fall 2022. King joined the UIS coaching staff as an assistant in 2021 and has led the program as interim head coach for the past three years.
During that time, the men's cross country team continued its run of top-four finishes at the GLVC Championships, and the women's team returned to the top four in fall 2024.
The Illinois Springfield athletic department has announced the hiring of Chris Rodriguez as the head coach of the Prairie Stars baseball program. Rodriguez's appointment marks a new chapter for the program, shaped by his focus on player development and competitive success.
Four members of the Illinois Springfield baseball team were recognized on the 2025 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Region Teams, as announced Tuesday morning. Selections are determined by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and guided by the ABCA NCAA Division II All-America & Coach of the Year Committee.
Seth Masters – First Team Relief Pitcher
Illinois Springfield junior catcher Ivan Dahlberg has earned a spot on the 2025 CCA All-America Honorable Mention list following a standout season for the Prairie Stars.
Dahlberg was a cornerstone of the team throughout the 2025 campaign, delivering both consistency and power at the plate while providing leadership behind it. He appeared in 48 games, making 44 starts, and posted a .344 batting average with a 1.214 OPS.