The Illinois Springfield women's cross country team has earned a spot in the NCAA Division II Midwest regional coaches' rankings, released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). This marks the first time in program history that the Prairie Stars have been ranked in the regional coaches' poll.

The Prairie Stars enter the rankings at No. 8 in the Midwest Region, marking their first appearance of the 2025 season. UIS joins conference foe Lewis (No. 3) as the two Great Lakes Valley Conference programs currently ranked in the top 10.

The recognition comes on the heels of a strong performance at the Lucian Rosa Invite last weekend, where UIS finished 11th in a field of 23 teams that featured seven nationally ranked squads. The Prairie Stars defeated conference opponent Southwest Baptist, who has dropped out of this week's regional poll. GLVC Runner of the Week Madelyn Miller-Ross led UIS with an 11th-place individual finish in the 207-runner field.

The 2025 NCAA Midwest Regional Championships are set for Saturday, Nov. 8. The top three teams in the rankings this week are Grand Valley State, Cedarville, and Lewis, who currently hold the projected automatic qualifying spots.

UIS will look to build on its momentum when it returns to competition at the Lewis Crossover on Oct. 11 in Romeoville, Ill.