The University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball program announced today that it has added two NCAA Division I transfers to its roster for the 2021-22 season. The newest additions are Ally Gietzel and Frankie Kokkines.
 
"It is a pleasure to share our new additions to the women's basketball program," said UIS Head Coach Casey Thousand. "These players come from successful programs and cannot wait to compete. They understand how much hard work goes into being successful on and off the court. We cannot wait for this fall." 

Gietzel is a transfer guard from Illinois State University. She is originally from Fond du Lac, Wis. and Fond du Lac High School, and will be a sophomore next season for the Prairie Stars.
 
Gietzel played in 29 games for the Redbirds over the last three years, and collected 44 points, 34 rebounds, 13 assists, nine steals, and four blocks. As a true freshman, she played in 16 games and scored 29 points, including a career-high nine against Valparaiso. She redshirted the 2019-20 season, and then played in 13 games last year. She helped Illinois State reached the 2021 WNIT, the team's first postseason appearance in eight years.
 
Gietzel was a three-star recruit in high school according to ESPN. She was a two-time all-state performer and the Fox Valley Area Player of the Year. She scored 1,192 points in her prep career and was a McDonald's All-American nominee. She was also a two-time all-state cross country runner, and a seven-time state qualifier in track and field.
 
Ally is the daughter of Amy and Steve Gietzel.
 
"Ally will bring so much to this team both on and off the court," said Thousand. "Her experience and drive will be a great addition to our team. Ally can handle the ball and help distribute to her teammates."
 
Kokkines is a transfer guard from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She is originally from Lombard, Ill. and Montini Catholic High School, and will be a sophomore for UIS.
 
Kokkines appeared in 14 games in two seasons at SIU-Carbondale. She recorded seven points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
 
In high school, Kokkines helped Montini Catholic to a 34-3 record during her senior year, and the team finished the year ranked No. 22 in the nation. She averaged 5.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists as a senior. Her program went 135-13 during her career, and reached the semifinals of the state tournament in back-to-back seasons. In 2019, she was named the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Outstanding Athlete of the Year.
 
Frankie is the daughter of Sia and Jim Kokkines.
 
"Frankie understands what it takes to be successful and is a very hard worker," said Thousand. "She is a tough competitor and will bring that into our practices."