UIS Athletics hosted its annual Night of Stars banquet on Monday, April 28, in the Student Union Ballroom, celebrating the 2024–25 athletic year and presenting 12 major departmental awards along with two team awards per sport.

More than 250 Prairie Stars student-athletes, coaches, and staff members gathered to recognize the excellence, leadership, character, and academic achievement that define the UIS athletics experience.

Major Awards
Athletes of the Year
Awarded to the most outstanding male and female athlete of the 2024-25 year, this individual has demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and leadership in their sport. Their achievements on the field, court, or track have made them a standout performer and a key contributor to the team's success.

Female Athlete of the Year: Madelyn Miller, Cross Country/Track & Field
Male Athlete of the Year: Mark Kattula, Baseball

Rookies of the Year
This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the team's success in their first season of collegiate competition.

Female Rookie of the Year: Makenna Cox, Volleyball
Male Rookie of the Year: Dom Cantarini, Cross Country/Track & Field

Iron Stars 
Presented to the athlete who exemplifies exceptional strength, resilience, and commitment. This award honors an individual who has pushed through challenges, shown remarkable durability, and consistently worked hard in the weight room.

Female Iron Star: Addyson McClure, Softball
Male Iron Star: Max Kunnert, Men's Basketball

Senior Scholar Student-Athletes 
Recognizing student-athlete who have achieved academic excellence while balancing the demands of their sport. This award honors the top graduating senior(s).

Co-Male Senior Scholar Student-Athlete: Tom Bumann, Men's Golf
Co-Male Senior Scholar Student-Athlete: Connor McFadden, Men's Soccer
Co-Female Senior Scholar Student-Athlete: Anna Schurz, Women's Soccer
Co-Female Senior Scholar Student-Athlete: Sara Prieto, Women's Golf

Chancellor's Prairie Star of the Year
Awarded to the top all-around student-athlete who excels academically and is deeply involved in the campus community. This individual is a pillar of athletics representation at UIS, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to enhancing the university's culture through active involvement and positive influence on campus life.

Chancellor's Prairie Star of the Year: Piper Schrepferman, Women's Tennis

Friend of Athletics Award — Presented by the Director of Athletics
Presented to an individual who has shown unwavering dedication and support to the Prairie Stars athletic program. This award honors someone who has generously given their time, effort, and resources, demonstrating a true commitment to the success and growth of the team and the entire athletics community.

Friend of Athletics: Mike Krcil 

Team Awards
Star Spirit: Recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship, team morale, and dedication, fostering a positive and supportive environment both on and off the field. The award winner is selected by a vote of their teammates.

MVP: Awarded to the athlete who has demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and consistency or improvement throughout the season, making a significant impact on the team's success. The award winner is selected by the coaching staff.

Baseball
Star Spirit Award: Lucas Pajeau
MVP: Mark Decicco

Men's Basketball
Star Spirit Award: Evan Altman
MVP: Max Kunnert

Women's Basketball
Star Spirit Award: Allysia McDaniel
MVP: Kayla Rice

Men's Golf
Star Spirit Award: Tom Bumann
MVP: Julien Babineau

Women's Golf
Star Spirit Award: Sara Prieto
MVP: Elaine Grant

Men's Track & Field
Star Spirit Award: Noah Tegeler
MVP: Isaac Cortes

Women's Track & Field
Star Spirit Award: Marissa Roggensack
MVP: Madelyn Miller

Softball
Star Spirit Award: Koral Keehner
MVP: Rosie Bartletti

Men's Soccer
Star Spirit Award: Rick Brinkhof
MVP: Joey Fitzgerald

Women's Soccer
Star Spirit Award: Avery Harrison
MVP: Dani Auble

Men's Tennis
Star Spirit Award: Pablo Herrera
MVP: Pablo Herrera

Women's Tennis
Star Spirit Award: Piper Schrepferman
MVP: Carmen Llopis Fabra

Volleyball
Star Spirit Award: Kaitlyn Taylor
MVP: Erica Sledge

Men's Cross Country
Star Spirit Award: Aidan Donohue
MVP: Briar Nevills

Women's Cross Country
Star Spirit Award: Marissa Roggensack
MVP: Madelyn Miller

Cheerleading
Star Spirit Award: Shelva Sewavi

Jimmy John's Monthly Award Winners
As part of the banquet program, UIS also recognized the recipients of the Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month Award, inviting honorees to the stage for their achievements throughout the academic year. April and May awardees will be announced soon, and the Jimmy John's Academic Team of the Year selection is still to come.

September: Makenna Cox, Volleyball
October: Elaine Grant, Women's Golf
November: Max Kunnert, Men's Basketball
December: Jack Weber, Men's Basketball
January: Madelyn Miller, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
February: Rosie Bartletti, Softball
March: Madelyn Miller, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field