Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The UIS athletic department has announced the hiring of Josh Edison as the new head coach of the Prairie Stars men’s and women’s golf programs. Edison, a Springfield native, steps into the role after previously serving as a volunteer assistant with the program.

“I firmly believe that the UIS Athletic Department is poised for tremendous success as a whole,” said Edison. “The department’s strategic vision and leadership are setting the stage for great achievements-not just in individual sports, but across the entire program. I’m honored to be a part of that journey.”

Edison brings head coaching experience from two collegiate programs in Illinois. Most recently, he led the Illinois College golf teams from 2022 to 2024. Before that, he was the head coach at Heartland Community College from 2020 to 2022. At Heartland, Edison built the school’s first-ever golf program, managing budgeting and travel coordination while recruiting student-athletes from both local and national pipelines. In addition to coaching, he served as a Success Coach, helping students transition into college life by offering academic and personal support resources.

“Josh brings a great deal of experience to our golf program, including strong head coaching experience in the region at Illinois College and Heartland Community College,” said director of athletics Mike Hermann. “A Springfield native, Josh brings both a strong community network and a passion to develop a championship men’s and women’s golf program. He has worked with several of our current athletes as a volunteer coach during the 2023-24 season, which will aid his transition into this new role.”

Edison played collegiate golf at both Northern Illinois and Illinois State, where he finished his playing career. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, where he was named the CS8 Boys Golfer of the Year multiple times.

“Growing up in Springfield, I’ve always admired UIS’s commitment to excellence,” Edison said. “I’m thrilled to take on the role of head golf coach and bring championship-caliber success on and off the course to both programs. My goal is to build a program that excels competitively, academically, and in the community.”

Edison assumes the role previously held by Michael Leotta, who guided the UIS golf programs over the past four seasons.

“Michael built a strong foundation for our men’s and women’s golf programs during his time at UIS,” said Hermann. “With three straight trips to the NCAA regional, the women’s program has had record success on the course. We are grateful for his contributions.”

“I really enjoyed my time at UIS and am very proud of what we accomplished,” Leotta said. “In my four seasons, we had unprecedented success on and off the course and with the creation of our practice facility. I am very grateful to all the people and players who were a part of it.”

The Prairie Stars will begin their 2025 fall season in September with a strong group of returners as Edison leads the program into its next chapter.