Illinois Springfield volleyball's Makenna Cox has been named the Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month for August 2026, earning the department's first monthly honor of the 2026-27 academic year.

Cox becomes just the second Prairie Star to win the award in three consecutive years, joining former UIS golfer Elaine Grant. The honor marks Cox's third straight Athlete of the Month selection after also earning the award in August 2024 and August 2025.

UIS had one week of competition during August, with Cox making an immediate impact during the opening weekend of the season at the Ferris State Invitational. The tournament featured several of the top teams in NCAA Division II, and Cox earned a spot on the all-tournament team.

Cox averaged 3.83 points per set while recording 40 digs and four blocks. She was the Prairie Stars' leading scorer and regularly contributed as one of the team's top defensive players as well.

Her early-season numbers ranked at or near the top of the GLVC, helping UIS open the 2026 season against a challenging field of Division II competition.

Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month

The Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month award enters its fourth year and recognizes outstanding individual performances across UIS Athletics. Monthly honorees will be recognized at the end-of-year UIS Athletics banquet and will be considered for UIS Male, Female or Rookie of the Year honors in their respective categories.

The award is presented in partnership with Jimmy John's in Springfield, reflecting a shared commitment to celebrating excellence, teamwork and achievement across all Prairie Star programs.

August 2026 Nominees

Makenna Cox, Volleyball
Madi Siefken, Volleyball
Mallory Herber, Women's Soccer
Addi Wittenberg, Women's Soccer
Gigi Yurevich, Women's Soccer
Gentil Selemani, Men's Soccer
Kevin Kardel, Men's Soccer