The Prairie Stars are enjoying a brief pause in competition during the holidays. UIS Athletics wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season, with action returning on Wednesday, Dec. 31, when men's basketball hosts William Woods at TRAC to close out the calendar year.
The new year begins shortly after with a home GLVC basketball doubleheader, as both the women's and men's teams open conference play against Indianapolis.
Looking Ahead
llinois Springfield (7-4, 4-0 GLVC) fell to Missouri Baptist (10-3, 5-1) in a 79-77 double-overtime loss Sunday at TRAC. The game counted as an official contest for UIS but was played as an exhibition for the Spartans. The Prairie Stars were unable to overcome 11 fast-break points by the visitors in a tightly contested matchup that featured multiple late-game momentum swings.
Illinois Springfield men's basketball returns to action Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., hosting Missouri Baptist on World Basketball Day. The matchup carries a storyline connection, as seventh-year head coach Matt Brock previously led the Spartans before coming to UIS.
Illinois Springfield (7-3, 4-0 GLVC)
Illinois Springfield women's basketball (4-8, 1-3 GLVC) fell 67-61 to Lake Superior State (2-7, 0-2 GLIAC) Thursday afternoon. The contest marked UIS' first Education Day game, as hundreds of students from local schools filled the TRAC and created an energetic atmosphere.
Illinois Springfield men's basketball fell to Kentucky Wesleyan, 87-81, in a closely contested matchup Wednesday night at Owensboro Sportscenter. The Prairie Stars forced 10 turnovers and converted them into 11 points but were unable to close the gap late.
The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team returns from a road trip to Wisconsin for a day game at TRAC on Thursday at 11:30 a.m., celebrating Education Day with students and teachers in attendance.
Illinois Springfield (4-7, 1-3 GLVC)
The Prairie Stars fell 81-72 at Wisconsin-Parkside on Tuesday, rallying from a double-digit deficit and cutting the lead to two points late in the game. Kayla Rice and Libby Blythe led UIS with career-best scoring outputs of 29 and 19 points, respectively.
The Illinois Springfield baseball program has announced its 2026 schedule as the Prairie Stars prepare for their first full season under head coach Chris Rodriguez, who was officially appointed to lead the program at the end of May 2025 after previously serving as an assistant coach.
As part of UIS Athletics' 15 Years of NCAA Division II Membership celebration, the department is highlighting 15 standout teams and 15 standout student-athletes who have shaped the program's Division II era. Each week, UIS will feature one team and one player, honoring the accomplishments, championship moments, and legacy-building performances that have defined Prairie Stars Athletics.
The UIS women's soccer team, led by head coach Scott Myers and assistant coach Hailey Parungao, welcomed nine high school seniors in the class of 2026 into the program on National Signing Day. Joining the Prairie Stars are Macey Young, Alaina Stock, Raelyn Brammer, Elyse Severson, Aubrey Quigley, Brooklyn Termine, Bridget Lyons, Aubry Thomas and McKenzie Coleman.
Coach Myers shared his perspective on the 2026 signing class, offering insight into each student-athlete and how they fit into the future of the UIS women's soccer program.
Illinois Springfield women's basketball (4-7, 1-3 GLVC) fell at Wisconsin-Parkside (5-5, 0-2 GLIAC), 81-72, after climbing out of a deep first-quarter deficit and repeatedly cutting the margin down the stretch. UIS forced 19 turnovers and scored 16 points off those opportunities but could not fully erase Parkside's control.