Possessing a strong blend of experience as both a student-athlete and college administrator, Joe Belcaster has established himself as a rising star in the world of junior college athletics.
A former men’s basketball team captain at DePaul University, Belcaster came to Prairie State College from Daley College in Chicago in January of 2022, where he served as Director of Athletics from 2020 to 2022.
The only director of athletics in PSC history to bring home a national title, Belcaster is eager to see PSC’s athletic department continue to reach its full potential.
“Prairie State has a strong foundation that we will continue to build on,” Belcaster said. "Our vision is to grow the Prairie State brand within the NJCAA and create a culture that prospers on the national level. We are eager to continue and maximize the success of our student athletes and athletic programs. GO PIONEERS!”
PSC's 2022 men's soccer team achieved what every college athletic director strives for: a national championship.
The 2022 Pioneers, who entered the NJCAA Division II National Tournament as an eighth-seeded, at-large bid, took down three national heavyweights en route to the title. The championship was the first for a Prairie State athletic team in any sport.
Belcaster has also overseen the complete rebranding of PSC athletics. In the fall of 2022, the college unveiled its new mascot, Parker the Prairie Dog, and new logo in addition to a new secondary logo.
Upgrading the College's athletic facilities have also been a key focal point for Belcaster during his tenure at PSC. Major improvements and upgrades have been made to PSC baseball, softball and soccer fields as well as the college's tennis courts.
Backstop netting and new covered benches were added to the Pioneers soccer field in 2025 along with a sign commemorating the 2022 national title team.
The baseball and softball fields have also seen major improvements under Belcaster's leadership with new banners and dugout upgrades taking shape.
PSC's tennis courts, home of one of the nation's most successful programs, has had several upgrades as well, included PSC branded wind screens, umpire chairs, bleachers and flower boxes.
Belcaster was instrumental in the renovation of the Fitness Center as well. The new, revamped Fitness Center included specialized flooring, all new free weight and machine equipment as well as wall art.
Prior to his tenure at Daley, Belcaster had a highly-successful run as the Assistant Director of Athletics at Morton College in Cicero, Ill. While at Morton, the Panthers won a total of five NJCAA Region IV championships (two apiece in both men’s cross country and men’s soccer and one in men’s basketball).
Belcaster was also instrumental in spearheading the athletic department’s marketing efforts. The Berwyn, Illinois native worked tirelessly to form relationships with several key vendors and was largely responsible for the rebranding of Morton’s athletic department.
A graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, Belcaster helped lead the Mustangs to a 24-6 record on the hardwood his senior campaign. His final season of prep basketball saw him earn both All-Area and All-conference honors after averaging 14.0 points, 9.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. He was also selected to the All-Tournament Team after Morton won the prestigious Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
While at DePaul, Belcaster served on the Captain’s Council, the leadership body of student-athletes on campus, helping to coordinate service projects and new initiatives within the Big East Conference.
Belcaster, a 6-2 guard for the Blue Demons, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management with an emphasis in sports management from DePaul in 2013. A scholastic stalwart, Belcaster was a two-time Big East All-Academic Team selection and made the Dean’s List in 2011. He was also the recipient of the John and Anastasia Graven Endowed Scholarship in both 2011 and 2012.
Belcaster also holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Sports Management from Concordia University in River Forest, Ill.
