Check out the recruiting classes for Illinois State women's basketball and other sports
NORMAL — Illinois State women's basketball coach Kristen Gillespie has signed four high school standouts to join the Redbirds next season.
Signing with ISU are Madison Austin of Sterling, Jordan Fenske of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Kaya Hurt of Indianapolis and Jaeden Pratt of Ankeny, Iowa.
"We are absolutely thrilled with our 2025 recruiting class," Gillespie said. "This versatile group will provide depth on the perimeter and in the post. They are outstanding student-athletes who will elevate our program on and off the court."
The 6-foot-3 Austin averaged 12 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks as a junior. She also is a four-time sectional swimming champion and the school record holder in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
"Madison is a back-to-the-basket post that has the skill set to step out on the perimeter," Gillespie said. "The unique thing about Madison is she just started playing basketball three years ago. Her potential is unmatched."
A 5-11 guard, Fenske connected on 73 3-pointers last season while averaging 18.9 points.
"Jordan is a versatile, skilled guard who can play multiple positions," said Gillespie. "She has an incredible feel for the game and her basketball IQ is outstanding."
The 5-8 Hurt plays at Indianapolis powerhouse Lawrence North where she averaged 11.3 points, 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals as a junior.
"Kya is a scoring combo guard with tremendous court vision," Gillespie said. "Her ability to create shots for herself and others will be invaluable for our program."
Pratt is a 5-9 guard and a three-sport standout at Centennial High School in Ankeny. She is already the school career record holder in rebounds and has helped her team to three straight state tournament appearances.
"Jaeden is a high-level athlete who will bring an incredible amount of toughness to our program," Gillespie said. "She is an intense competitor who can score in a variety of ways and impact the game on both ends."
Pratt also is a two-time All-State performer in volleyball and a state champion in the long jump in track.
ISU baseball coach Steve Holm has five players in his recruiting class.
Incoming Redbirds are Zach Bava of Naperville North, Brother Rice's Jackson Natanek, Dominic Panozzo of Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Carter Sellers of Maineville, Ohio, and Minooka's Brayden Zilis.
"Zach Bava is the fourth ranked catcher in the state of Illinois," Holm said. "Zach is a high energy catcher who seems to make all those around him better. Along with a plus arm behind the plate, the left-handed hitting catcher has proven he has a true hit tool."
Natanek is a 5-10 infielder.
"Jackson is the sixth ranked shortstop in the state of Illinois," said Holm. "Natanek has multiple tools, he has shown plus bat speed and the ability to take mature at bats against high level pitching, to go along with his glove work. Jackson also pitches, he possesses a 91-mph fastball."
Panozzo is a 6-2 right-handed pitcher.
"Dominic Panozzo is a late blooming right-handed pitcher, Holm said. "Dom jumped on the recruiting scene this summer flashing a heavy fastball up to 94 mph plus a changeup and curveball to go with it. We see Dom having the ability to be a starting pitcher for the Redbirds when he gains experience."
Standing 6-6, Sellers is a left-handed hurler.
"Carter Sellers is a big left-handed pitcher, "Holm said. "He has proven that he can use multiple pitches and the big frame will allow for much more to come. Carter reminds the staff of a young Brent Headrick."
The speedy Zilis is another middle infielder.
"Brayden Zilis is the fifth ranked shortstop in the state," said Holm. "Zilis is a plus runner and plus defender who we believe will be able to impact our game immediately. Brayden is a left-handed hitting shortstop with bat to ball skills and gets down the line very well."
ISU softball coach Tina Kramos has brought seven new players on board.
"We are excited for the addition of these seven new student-athletes to our Redbird family," Kramos said. "This class will bring enthusiasm, as well as power on both sides of the ball.
"We are confident that their talent and personalities will mesh with our current roster and continue the legacy of Redbird softball."
Signing with the Redbirds are catcher Lexi Brinkman of Illini Bluffs, outfielders Paige Rummans of Saydel High School in Des Moines, Iowa and Taylor Liebelt of Wausau (Wisconsin) West, pitcher-hitter Lauren Flowers of Carrollton, infielders Ava Boyer of Tuscola and Morgan Calhoun of Indian Trail High School in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and pitcher Meghan Lampos of Westosha High School in Genoa City, Wis.
ISU volleyball coach Allie Matters has signed a class of four incoming freshmen.
Joining the Redbirds for the 2025 season are libero Devynn Schulz of Woodstock North, setter Ella Craggs of Northville, Michigan, middle blocker Ne'Khaela Rogers of Centennial High School in Burleson, Texas, and outside hitter Hadley Rogge of Marian Central Catholic.
"We are so incredibly excited to welcome this class of 2025 signees," Matters said. "This group of young women understand the legacy of Illinois State volleyball and are determined to impact the success of our program."
The first recruiting class of Redbird soccer coach Raleigh DeRose consists of seven players.
Headed to ISU are Sophia Carbone of Danville, California, Delia Garcia of Park Ridge, Brooklyn Harding of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Chatham's Rylann Law, Sofia Mammoliti of Hamilton, Ontario, Downers Grove's Ashley Molinari and Grace Petrie of Stratford, Connecticut.
Signing with ISU gymnastics are Jercy Koliego of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Mia LeBlanc of Merrimack, New Hampshire.
