Women's Volleyball 1/22/2026 8:52:00 AM Chris Kuchta

End of An Era: Prairie State to Discontinue Women’s Volleyball

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. --- Prairie State College has made the extremely difficult decision to discontinue its women's volleyball program effective immediately.

This move will allow PSC to focus on supporting its remaining six athletic programs at the highest levels.

PSC will still field teams in men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, baseball and softball.

"Prairie State College takes tremendous pride in our student-athletes and in the tradition of Pioneers athletics," PSC Director of Athletics, Joe Belcaster said. "We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that our players and our head coach, Rebecca Larios have put into making the volleyball program a success.

"Unfortunately, this decision had to be made in order to help secure the long-term financial health of our institution."

In its 20 seasons as an intercollegiate sport, PSC volleyball steadily built the reputation of a tough, gritty program which never gave less than its best. Over the lifespan of the program, the Pioneers earned an NJCAA Region 4 championship, an Illinois Skyway Conference title and a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament, all coming in 2011.

The program also produced a pair of NJCAA All-Americans over its existence in Samantha Krilich (2009) and Jessica Stas (2011). Numerous players also earned all-region and all-conference recognition as well.

In addition to its on-court achievements, the Pioneers also earned high marks in the classroom, with a plethora of players earning NJCAA Academic All-American and academic all-conference honors.

The decision to discontinue volleyball will not impact currently enrolled student-athletes for the 2025–2026 academic year. The college will work closely with impacted students to ensure they have the necessary support and guidance regarding their academic and athletic futures.

For more information, contact the Prairie State College Department of Athletics.

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