The 2025-26 season marked a significant step forward for the UIS women's tennis program, as the Prairie Stars doubled their win total from the previous season and showed steady growth throughout the year under first-year head coach Henrique Leal.

UIS finished the season with an 8-12 overall record and a 1-3 mark in GLVC East Division play after going 1-11 overall the year before. The Prairie Stars showed major improvement throughout the spring, earning wins over Thomas More, Roosevelt, Truman State, Quincy, Campbellsville, Kentucky Wesleyan, and conference opponent McKendree.

UIS also proved competitive in several tight contests, collecting four victories by 4-3 or 5-2 scores while navigating a challenging schedule. In addition to its divisional win over McKendree, UIS defeated Truman State and Quincy from the GLVC West, results that could be encouraging heading into next season when the conference moves away from divisional scheduling.

Individually, Cristina Mendoza Romero earned All-GLVC honors after leading the Prairie Stars with a 10-9 singles record while also posting an 11-9 doubles mark. She was one of four UIS players to finish doubles play with 11 victories.

Ema Norma Bordean played No. 1 singles for the Prairie Stars, picking up six victories. Freshman Maria Garcia showed promise, recording eight singles wins and paired for five doubles victories.

UIS closed the season with momentum after winning five of its final eight matches, highlighted by a 4-3 road conference win over McKendree and a 7-0 sweep of Kentucky Wesleyan.

With a young core gaining experience and a successful first season under Coach Leal, the Prairie Stars enter the offseason with optimism following one of the program's strongest recent improvements.