Transfer relief pitcher Isaac Graf has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week following a dominant opening weekend for the Prairie Stars. Graf made two appearances, totaling 3.1 innings, and did not allow a run or a hit while recording one save.
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 features one team and one player, honoring the accomplishments, championship moments, and legacy-building performances that have defined Prairie Stars Athletics.
Winter and spring seasons collide as Prairie Stars athletics hits a busy stretch. Five UIS teams will compete at home this week!
At a glance, softball hosts Davenport and Ohio Dominican at the Springfield Clinic Dome. Women's and men's basketball close out their home schedules, while track and field travels to Jacksonville, Ill. Tennis heads to Missouri, and baseball opens its home slate.
Thursday, Feb. 19
The UIS baseball team (5-2) narrowly fell to Florida Southern (4-8) with a final score of 5-4 on Sunday afternoon. On a breezy day in the heart of Florida, nine hits and a home run highlighted the effort for the visiting Prairie Stars, but the home team held on for the win. The game marked the conclusion of a four-game series, which resulted in a split between the two teams.
GAME FOUR | L, 5-4
Freshman guard Julia Mingus delivered a breakout January for UIS women's basketball and has been named the UIS Athletics Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month for January 2026.
Mingus becomes the first freshman in UIS Athletics history to earn the department's Athlete of the Month honor, a recognition fueled by her consistency, efficiency, and impact during the Prairie Stars' 5-3 January stretch.
The Illinois Springfield baseball team split a Saturday doubleheader in the middle of its four-game series at Florida Southern, winning the first game 5-1 before dropping the second game 11-1. The split moves the Prairie Stars to 5-1 on the season, with Florida Southern now 3-8.
GAME TWO | W, 5-1
The Prairie Stars men's track team competed against one of the strongest fields of the indoor season Saturday at the GVSU Big Meet, turning in personal records and competitive marks across middle- and long-distance events. With two weeks remaining before the GLVC Championships, the meet served as a key benchmark against top regional competition.
The Illinois Springfield women's track team reached the high point of the regular season at the GVSU Big Meet on Saturday, facing some of the strongest competition of the year. Saturday's performances showcased the Prairie Stars' depth and readiness for the postseason.
Marissa Roggensack led Saturday's distance showings with a 3,000-meter time of 10:35. Freshman Mackenzie Billard turned in a personal record of 10:52, while sophomore Olivia Thomsen ran a PR of 11:08.
The Illinois Springfield men's tennis team (3-3) continued its strong early-season form Saturday, earning a 6-1 victory over the Michigan Tech Huskies in its home opener at the Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center. The Prairie Stars set the tone by claiming the doubles point and carried that momentum into singles play.
In front of a strong home crowd, the Illinois Springfield women's tennis team opened its home slate Saturday but fell 6-1 to the visiting Michigan Tech Huskies at the Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center. UIS claimed the doubles point to start the day but was unable to convert several tightly contested singles matches.