​​The University of Illinois Springfield Athletic Department has announced the induction of four new members into the Prairie Stars Hall of Fame. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, as part of the university's homecoming week celebrations.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes women's tennis student-athlete Kathy Sigle, men's basketball coach Kevin Gamble, the 2006-07 men's basketball team and volleyball student-athlete Alyssa Hasler, highlighting outstanding achievements from individuals and teams across multiple eras of Prairie Stars history.

"I'm so pleased that the Hall of Fame Committee selected such an outstanding slate of nominees for the Hall of Fame, which will give us the opportunity to further highlight the outstanding history of the UIS and Sangamon State athletics program," said director of athletics Mike Hermann. "I'm hopeful that the achievements of our athletic alumni and coaches will inspire our current student-athletes to continue our proud tradition."

Kathy Sigle, Women's Tennis Athlete

Kathy Sigle was a trailblazer for UIS Athletics as the university's first female athletic scholarship recipient and captain of the inaugural women's tennis team in 1979. Despite having no prior competitive tennis experience, she went undefeated at the No. 6 singles position while helping establish women's intercollegiate athletics at UIS. Sigle paired her success on the court with outstanding academic achievement, earning multiple degrees while maintaining perfect undergraduate and graduate GPAs.

The nomination highlighted Sigle's trailblazing role as the first female athletic scholarship recipient at UIS. Despite having no prior tennis experience, Sigle committed months to training before the launch of the women's tennis program and became a foundational figure early in the history of Prairie Stars Athletics. The nomination also noted that former Athletics Director Aydin Gonulsen chose Sigle as the inaugural recipient of the women's athletic scholarship, citing her character, dedication and potential as qualities that would help pave the way for future female student-athletes.

Kevin Gamble, Men's Basketball Coach

As the first head coach in UIS men's basketball history, Kevin Gamble laid the foundation for the program during eight seasons from 2002-10. He compiled a 130-111 record, earned two American Midwest Conference Coach of the Year honors and guided the Prairie Stars to two conference tournament championships. Under Gamble's leadership, UIS reached the 2007 NAIA National Tournament, marking a milestone in the program's early success.

Gamble's nomination highlighted his role in guiding the UIS men's basketball program on an unprecedented trajectory from its inception in 2002 to back-to-back national tournament appearances in 2006 and 2007. It also noted how Gamble's NBA experience and passion for his hometown helped establish UIS as a relevant program in the sport.

2006-07 Men's Basketball Team

The 2006-07 men's basketball team produced one of the defining seasons in program history, capturing the American Midwest Conference regular-season title with an 11-1 league record and finishing 23-9 overall, which still stands as the program's single-season record for wins. Just five years after the program's inception, the Prairie Stars earned the program's first win in the NAIA National Tournament. The team's remarkable season also included earning the AMC Coach of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year honors, as well as three First Team All-AMC selections.

"The 2006-07 men's basketball team created a level of excitement that had never been seen at UIS up to that point," the nomination stated. It also highlighted the team's record-setting season, top players, conference championship success and role in making a national statement for the Prairie Stars basketball program.

Alyssa Hasler, Volleyball Athlete

Alyssa Hasler established herself as one of the most accomplished players in UIS volleyball history. A two-time First Team All-GLVC selection, she became the program's first All-Region and All-American honoree while leading the conference in blocks in both 2017 and 2018. Hasler remains the program's career leader in solo blocks, block assists and total blocks, and played a key leadership role on the 2018 team that captured the GLVC regular-season championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

"Alyssa embodied everything you want in a Hall of Fame student-athlete," her nominator said. The nomination praised her leadership, outstanding play as a blocker and numerous accomplishments, including D2CCA Third Team All-America honors her senior season.

The Hall of Fame celebration on Oct. 10 will begin with a luncheon at 11:00 a.m. in the SLB Gym on the UIS campus. Registration is $30 per adult ticket, $15 for youth, or $250 for a table. Those interested in attending the luncheon are encouraged to register here.

Following the ceremony, the newly inducted members will be recognized during the UIS Volleyball Match at 2:00 PM as part of the Homecoming festivities.

For additional Homecoming Week events and details, visit the UIS Athletics Homecoming Information page.d