University of Illinois Springfield head volleyball coach Kamille Jones has unveiled the Prairie Stars' roster additions for the 2024 season.

The program has welcomed seven freshmen and two transfers, with four of the newcomers hailing from Illinois.

"We have a lot of new faces," said Coach Jones. "A lot of freshman who are going to find their way onto the court, some strong transfers, and I really just think this group is very passionate, they're ready to get out and play and make some noise."

The Prairie Stars recently faced SIUE in an exhibition match, and are gearing up to open the regular season at the St. Edwards Invitational in Austin, Tex. on Sept. 6-7. 

#1 | Addie Bomelyn
Class: Freshman
Position: Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Rock Island, Ill.
High School: Rock Island
Major: Elementary Education
Why I Chose UIS: The school immediately felt like home. The returning players made me feel welcomed and so comfortable, and the vibe just felt right for me.

#2 | Madison Siefken
Class: Freshman
Position: Setter
Hometown: Adel, Iowa
High School: Adel DeSoto Minburn
Major: Business Administration
Why I Chose UIS: I loved the campus, people, and environment and I wanted to play the most competitive volleyball that I could. 

#5 | Anna Laincz
Class: Freshman
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Lansing, Kans.
High School: Lansing
Major: Exercise Science
Why I Chose UIS: I chose Illinois Springfield because I wanted to continue my athletic career at the collegiate level and the GLVC is a very competitive conference.

#6 | Emma Frazier
Class: Freshman
Position: Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Festus, Mo. 
High School: St. Pius X
Major: Psychology
Why I Chose UIS: It felt like home. Everyone was so welcoming and inviting. I never felt out of place or cast away. 

#7 | Avery Gonzalez
Class: Freshman
Position: Middle Blocker/Opposite Hitter
Hometown: Huntley, Ill. 
High School: Huntley
Major: Psychology
Why I Chose UIS: I chose Illinois Springfield because I love the campus and environment here. I also really like that they offer many different programs here that I am interested in. The volleyball team also drew my attention as I love the coaching staff and overall program that they have!

#10 | Alexis Schwartz
Class: Junior
Position: Middle Blocker
Hometown: McHenry, Ill.
High School: McHenry
Previous School: McHenry Community College
Major: Elementary Education
Why I Chose UIS: I chose UIS because I really liked the team and volleyball staff. I saw a lot of good opportunities at UIS as well that were closer to home.

#14 | Kendall Johnson
Class: Freshman
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Platte City, Mo.
High School: Platte County
Major: Chemistry
Why I Chose UIS: I chose UIS because I love the campus and the environment!

#15 | Ceylin Sar
Class: Freshman
Position: Middle Blocker
Hometown: Izmir, Turkey
High School: Gelisim
Major: Literature and Mathematics
Why I Chose UIS: The first and most important of these is playing volleyball. I have been passionate about volleyball since my childhood and it is the most important activity in my life that relaxes me and relieves my stress. Besides these, my classes are also very important for me and my future. 

#19 | Makenna Cox
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Springfield, Ill.
High School: Springfield Lutheran
Major: Business
Why I Chose UIS: I really like the coach and I love that UIS is close to home!