The UIS Prairie Stars women's basketball team capped off an impressive 2025-26 season with a balanced 14-14 record and clear momentum under second-year head coach Olivia Birt. The Prairie Stars improved by nine wins over the previous season and remained in the hunt for postseason play until the final days of the regular season.

Postseason Push
Although the Prairie Stars just missed qualifying for the conference tournament, they were in contention until the final stages of the regular season, a testament to the team's resilience and steady progress throughout the year. Ultimately, the tight race came down to close rankings in the GLVC point rating system, underscoring how competitive the conference standings were this season. 

Season Highlights
One of the standout moments of the year came at home on Jan. 31, when UIS earned a thrilling victory over No. 25 UMSL Tritons women's basketball on BOS Family Day. The win highlighted a strong home-court advantage at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), where the Prairie Stars finished with a 9-5 record.

The TRAC was a lively environment throughout the season, with excellent attendance and support from the UIS campus community. Students, families, and local fans created an energetic atmosphere that helped fuel the Prairie Stars during several key home victories. Community engagement events and themed game days also brought new audiences into the arena, reinforcing the growing excitement around the program.

UIS also secured season sweeps against conference opponents William Jewell, Indianapolis, and Rockhurst, significant achievements in conference play that reflected the team's continued development.

Newcomer Impact and Team Statistics
A major factor in the team's success was the impact of several key newcomers throughout the roster. The Prairie Stars' freshman class played a significant role, accounting for 3,019 of the team's 5,600 total minutes played and demonstrating both the depth and long-term potential of the young group.

Graduate transfers Kennedy Osterman and Brynn Tabeling also provided important veteran leadership throughout the season. Their experience and presence helped guide a young roster while contributing in key moments.

Statistically, the UIS women's basketball team led the GLVC in several categories. UIS ranked first in the league in three-pointers made (251, averaging 9.0 per game), turnover margin (+4.39), and steals (357, averaging 12.75 per game). The Prairie Stars' ability to pressure opponents defensively and convert from beyond the arc became defining elements of their style of play throughout the season.

Individual Honors
Kayla Rice earned First Team All-GLVC honors after an outstanding season on both ends of the floor. Rice finished second in the league with 91 steals and led the conference with 3.3 steals per game.

Freshman Julia Mingus was named to the GLVC All-Freshman Team after leading the league with a 44.7 percent three-point field goal percentage, a mark that ranked among the top shooters in NCAA Division II.

Kennedy Osterman also received recognition, earning a spot on the GLVC All-Newcomer Team for her impact during her year with the Prairie Stars.

Building Toward the Future
UIS exceeded preseason expectations, finishing ninth in the GLVC standings after being projected 12th in the conference's preseason poll. The nine-win improvement, strong freshman contributions, and growing support at the TRAC all point to a program trending upward.

With a talented young core and continued leadership from Coach Birt, the Prairie Stars have established a solid foundation and look poised to build on the progress of the 2025-26 season.