As part of UIS Athletics' 15 Years of NCAA Division II Membership celebration, the department is highlighting 15 standout teams and 15 standout student-athletes who have shaped the program's Division II era. Each week, UIS features one team and one player, honoring the accomplishments, championship moments, and legacy-building performances that have defined Prairie Stars Athletics.

The 2021 UIS men's soccer team produced one of the most historic seasons in the program's NCAA DII era, reaching new heights in both the GLVC and NCAA Division II postseason. The Prairie Stars finished the year with a 13-6-2 overall record and a 10-2-1 mark in conference play, missing the GLVC regular season title by just one point. UIS made a statement in the GLVC Tournament, winning two games to reach the championship final for the first time in program history.

The Prairie Stars carried that momentum into the NCAA Division II Tournament, marking the program's first postseason appearance since the 2002 NAIA Tournament. After a first-round bye, UIS defeated Maryville 2-1 in overtime in the second round, recording the program's only outright NCAA postseason victory to date. Their tournament run concluded with a third-round loss at the University of Indianapolis.

Defensive stability and timely scoring were hallmarks of the 2021 team. Goalkeeper Pius Petrivicuis, a senior, secured four shutouts and was named Second Team All-GLVC. On the offensive side, Larks Brinkman contributed six goals and 14 points, Browel Some recorded five assists, and Conal Gallagher delivered four game-winning goals. Marvin Zott, a midfielder from Germany, was recognized nationally as the first Prairie Stars men's soccer player to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors, landing Third Team D2CCA All-American. He also earned First-Team All-Region accolades from the same organization.

The season was guided by sixth-year head coach Adam Hall, whose leadership helped UIS achieve a 10-3-2 record in games decided by a single goal. Balanced scoring, disciplined defending, and clutch performances under pressure defined a team that didn't just return Prairie Stars men's soccer to the national stage—it finished the season ranked 16th in NCAA Division II.

The 2021 Prairie Stars men's soccer team set a benchmark for future squads, combining historic wins, postseason success, and individual accolades to leave a lasting legacy in the NCAA Division II era of UIS Athletics.

Explore the growing list of NCAA Division II 15 Years Anniversary honorees celebrating the legacy of Prairie Stars Athletics.