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.

Ali Haesele, a two-year standout for the Prairie Stars from 2017-18, delivered one of the most impactful careers in UIS softball history, setting program standards for excellence as a dominant two-way player in the circle and at the plate. Her senior season stands as one of the most decorated individual campaigns in the Division II era and helped elevate UIS softball to unprecedented heights.

During her senior season in 2018, Haesele was named GLVC Pitcher of the Year, earned unanimous First Team All-GLVC honors, and collected Honorable Mention All-American recognition from both the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and Fastpitch News. She was also named First Team All-Region by the NFCA and D2CCA, and Honorable Mention All-American by D2CCA. After her graduation, she became the first Prairie Stars student-athlete to be nominated by the GLVC for the NCAA Woman of the Year award, a distinction recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service.

Haesele led UIS to a 40-19 overall record, a GLVC Regular Season Championship, and an NCAA Regional Tournament Championship, as the Prairie Stars earned their first-ever national ranking, peaking at No. 12 in the NFCA Division II poll. In the circle, she finished the season with a 25-11 record, 2.13 ERA, and six shutouts, striking out 217 batters in 216.2 innings while holding opponents to a .222 batting average. She also delivered a no-hitter against Findlay and recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts twice during the season.

Offensively, Haesele was just as impactful, batting .337 with 68 hits, 19 doubles, four triples, and three home runs. She scored 41 runs, drove in 33, and was nearly perfect on the basepaths, going 20-for-22 in stolen base attempts, highlighting her versatility and leadership as a complete player.

Her success carried over from an outstanding junior season in 2017, when she posted a 17-7 record and a 2.14 ERA, totaling 142 strikeouts while batting .290. That year, UIS qualified for the GLVC Tournament, and Haesele established herself as one of the conference's premier pitchers.

By the end of her UIS career, Haesele held or ranked among the program's all-time leaders in nearly every major statistical category, including first in career wins, strikeouts, ERA, shutouts, and opponent batting average. Her influence extended beyond competition, as she earned multiple academic honors and dedicated significant time to community service and youth coaching.

A career defined by dominance, versatility, and leadership, Ali Haesele helped transform UIS softball during its Division II era and left a legacy that continues to set the standard for Prairie Stars Athletics.

UIS Athletics will continue the 15 Years of NCAA Division II anniversary series throughout the academic year. Fans can follow along each week as the department honors the teams and student-athletes who have shaped the Prairie Stars' Division II journey.

Check out the feature on the 2018 UIS Softball team, also celebrated in the 15 Years of NCAA Division II anniversary series.