Springfield, IL (CAPTIOL CITY NOW) – The spring sports season has brought several major accomplishments for the athletic program at University of Illinois Springfield, according to Athletic Director Mike Hermann.

Hermann highlighted a successful year across multiple sports programs, including the softball team qualifying for the conference tournament, a women’s golfer advancing to regional competition and finishing in the top 20 nationally, and track athlete Maddie Miller earning a spot in the outdoor national championship after becoming a two-time All-American.

Hermann said the accomplishments reflect both the athletic and academic success of UIS student-athletes.

“We have great academics,” Hermann said, noting UIS student-athletes posted a 3.63 GPA last semester. “They do a great job in the classroom, which is most important. And then they compete at a high level athletically.”

UIS is also serving as host for this weekend’s NCAA Division II Midwest Regional baseball tournament on campus after earning the No. 2 seed in the region.

The Prairie Stars opened the tournament with a win over University of Indianapolis and now face conference rival University of Missouri–St. Louis in the winners bracket at 2 p.m. Friday.

“Our team really battled and came up with a great win,” Hermann said.

He also praised the turnout from the community during the opening game.

“We had a great crowd out there yesterday,” Hermann said.

Hermann said events like the regional tournament help showcase the university and bring visitors to campus.

“One of the things that athletics can do is bring people to our campus and bring light to UIS as a campus,” Hermann said, calling it “a great place to visit, and a great place to go to school.”

The regional tournament continues through the weekend with additional games scheduled Saturday and, if necessary, a championship game Sunday.

Fans can find updated brackets and game times on the UIS Athletics website. Hermann encouraged the public to attend and support the Prairie Stars.

“Come out and enjoy some college baseball,” he said.