The University of Illinois Springfield softball program announced today that four student-athletes have signed to play for the Prairie Stars starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The newest Prairie Stars are Katie Beagle, Avery Hamilton, Lilly Hurt, and Adi Rumler.
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"This class is an extraordinarily talented and athletic class." said head coach
Shannon Guthrie, "Katie, Avery, Lilly, and Adi will combine to be cover every position on the field. The four are very dynamic athletes, and will help us both offensively and defensively. The four combine for a lot of power at the plate and are tough hitters. Avery will provide depth to our pitching staff, and help in the infield. Lilly and Adi are both great catchers that also spend a lot of time in the infield, and Katie has played almost every position on the field. We know these four are hard workers who not only have a lot of softball talent, but have worked extremely hard in the classroom and have made an impact on their local communities. We are so excited to have this group on the Prairie next fall, and are so happy they have committed to UIS."
High School – Wilmot Union High SchoolÂ
Travel Team – GTSÂ
Hometown – Lake Geneva, WIÂ
Bats: Right – Throws: RightÂ
Height – 5'7"Â
UIS welcomes Katie Beagle to the softball team. Beagle is a true utility player as she pitches for Wilmot Union High School, and plays both infield and outfield. She was named to the Southern Lakes All-Conference team as both a pitcher and an outfielder. Beagle is a cousin of current UIS Baseball player, Brandon Bannon.Â
"Katie is an exciting player and tough competitor. She has battled through a lot in her high school career and is going to bring a lot of maturity and resilience with her. Katie has played nearly every position on the field, and her competitive nature allows her to succeed no matter where she is. She has played a tough schedule throughout the nation with her club team and will be well prepared to compete at the next level. Katie is no stranger to UIS as her cousin, Brandon Bannon, has been an instrumental part of our baseball program and their success. We are so happy that Katie has decided to continue the Prairie Star legacy in her family, and we cannot wait for her to create her own success on and off the field."Â
Avery Hamilton (Pitcher/Infielder)Â
High School –Edwardsville High SchoolÂ
Travel Team – O'Fallon TomahawksÂ
Hometown – Hamel, ILÂ
Bats: Right – Throws: RightÂ
Height – 5'8"Â
Highlights – 2022 Illinois All-State, All St. Louis Metro in 2021 and 2022, 1st Team All-Conference in 2021 and 2022, High School placed 3rd in state in 2022Â
Avery Hamilton is an All-State short stop from Hamel, Illinois. In her time at Edwardsville High School, Hamilton has led her team to a third place finish at state in 2022, been twice named to the St. Louis All-Metro team, and twice selected first-team All-Conference. In addition to playing short stop, Hamilton is also a pitcher who threw the first perfect game for Edwardsville since 2003. She is former club teammates with current Prairie Star, Koral Keehner.Â
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"We have had the privilege of watching Avery play softball for a number of years and are so thrilled she has committed to being a Prairie Star for the next four years. Avery was an All-State short stop for Edwardsville last spring on their historical run to the state tournament, and as a sophomore threw a perfect game in the circle. Her competitive nature allows her to be great at a number of positions, and she also is a threat at the plate with speed and power. Avery is a knowledgeable softball player and also excels in the classroom. We know she will be able to succeed at this level and will be well prepared to contribute in many positions. After many years of recruiting Avery, we cannot wait to coach her at UIS."Â
Lilly Hurt (Catcher/Infielder)Â
High School – Kimberly High SchoolÂ
Travel Team – Velocity 18UÂ
Hometown: Menasha, WIÂ
Bats: Right - Throws: RightÂ
Height: 5'10"Â
Also joining the Prairie Stars, is a second-team All-Conference selction from Kimberly High School in Wisconsin, Lilly Hurt. Lilly is a catcher and infielder who was named to the Appleton Post Crescent All-Area Honorable Mention. She plays with the Velocity organization out of Green Bay, Wisconsin and plans to major in Elementary Education in the CAP Honors Program at UIS.Â
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Guthrie's Comment -Â "Lilly is a great addition to our team and will be a positive impact in many positions for us. We really like Lilly's leadership capabilities and her ability to help in so many areas. She has played a very competitive schedule throughout both her high school and travel careers, and we cannot wait to see what she does at the next level. Lilly will be a great Prairie Star as she is a well-rounded student-athlete who dedicates her time not only to softball, but to her academics and back to her community. We are excited to watch her continue to grow in all of these areas and be a positive role model in the Springfield community."Â
Adi Rumler (Catcher/Infielder)Â
High School – Lincoln Community High SchoolÂ
Travel Team – Midland MagicÂ
Hometown: Lincoln, ILÂ
Bats: Right - Throws: RightÂ
Height: 5'8"Â
Highlights: Two-time 1st team All-Conference, 2022 Illinois All-StateÂ
Adi Rumler is a two-time All-Conference and All-State catcher from Lincoln, Illinois. Adi has split time between catching and third base. After three years at Normal University High School, she is finishing her high school careen in her hometown at Lincoln Community. Rumler will be entering the CAP Honors program at UIS as a Political Science major.Â
Guthrie's Comment - "We cannot wait to welcome Adi to UIS. Adi caught our eye as soon as we watched her play. Her athleticism combined with her power speak for themselves. On top of being a dynamic athlete, Adi excels in the classroom, and gives back to the sport of softball by coaching and working with young athletes. Adi will contribute well to our lineup with her power from the right side. She drives the ball well and knows how to run the bases. Adi is an All-State catcher, and also does a great job of playing third base or filling in anywhere she is needed. Her overall attitude and athleticism gives her so much potential to succeed no matter what she is doing on or off the field."
