The UIS Athletic Department has hired AJ Golembiewski as Assistant Athletics Director for Fan Engagement and Revenue Development.

Golembiewski joined the department in August in a similar extra-help role, coordinating fan engagement, promotions and revenue initiatives. He also served as a marketing intern for UIS athletics in 2022-23. While attending UIS, Golembiewski was a pitcher in the UIS baseball program and was a redshirt sophomore on the 2022 team that advanced to the NCAA Division II College World Series. 

The UIS men's basketball team will wrap up its winter non-conference schedule with a 1:00 p.m. home game against William Woods on New Year's Eve at TRAC. Then, on Friday evening, conference play resumes when the Indianapolis Greyhounds make the trip to Springfield for a 6:00 p.m. matchup.

Illinois Springfield (7-4, 4-0 GLVC)

UIS wraps up 2025 and rolls into 2026 right back at TRAC with conference basketball action. The Prairie Stars return to competition with a midweek men's game before hosting a GLVC doubleheader against Indianapolis on Friday. Follow along all week at uisprairiestars.com or on @UISAthletics social media.

Wednesday, Dec. 31
1:00 p.m. – Men's Basketball vs. William Woods (HOME)

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.