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NIU football players celebrate and sing the “Huskie Fight Song” after their 24-16 win against Central Michigan University on Nov. 30. NIU will conclude the 2024 season at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 23 in Boise, Idaho, facing off Fresno State in a rematch of the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Sports
NIU football to face Fresno State in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
NIU women's basketball junior guard Alecia Doyle (22) looks for someone to pass to while University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduate guard Erica Lafayette (20) defends her. The Huskies' suffered their biggest loss of the season Saturday against the University of Missouri. (Katherine Follmer | Northern Star)
Sports
Women’s basketball hounded by Mizzou in SEC matchup
Freshman forward Jayden Mott prepares to shoot a free throw on Tuesday at the Convocation Center. Mott made his second-straight start on Saturday as NIU men's basketball lost 101-57 to the University of Northern Iowa. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Sports
Slow start cripples Huskies as they fall to Northern Iowa
Then-freshman Faith Rouse trails then-junior Talayssia Sanders Feb. 16 at the Redbird Tune-Up. NIU track and field had three athletes finish in first place at the Blue-Gold Invite Friday. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Sports
Three Huskies finish first at Blue-Gold Invite
 

Talking
Huskie sports ...

The All-Star Huskie Sports podcast
A chat with NIU baseball
A chat with NIU baseball
April 11, 2024
Ethan Gonzales (from left) and Zack Rodriguez sit down with Matthew Zuber and Jacobi Jackson from NIU wrestling in the podcast room. This week’s “All-Star” episode discusses life as a NIU wrestler. (Ethan Gonzales | Northern Star)
A chat with NIU wrestling
February 19, 2024
Skyler Kisellus (from left), Ethan Gonzales, Emmalise Nock and Dawsyn Sallee sit in a podcast room. All-Star episode 34 discusses NIU gymnastics. (Anna Scanlan | Northern Star)
A sit down with NIU gymnastics
February 14, 2024
 
 
 
NIU senior safety Nate Valcarcel (9) assists senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin (26) in a tackle during the 117th Homecoming game against University of Toledo on Oct. 19 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Valcarcel and seven other Huskies received all-conference honors from the Mid-American Conference on Thursday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
8 NIU football players earn All-MAC honors
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | December 6, 2024
The NIU volleyball team huddles at its bench on Nov. 8 at Victor E. Court. Despite strong individual player performances, the Huskies finished 2024 with their lowest win total in program history. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
BENNETT: Huskie volleyball fangless in 2024 campaign
By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | November 19, 2024
NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock (left) hypes up his players before they run onto the field for a game against the University at Buffalo on Sept. 21 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Hammock added 19 freshmen and two transfers to NIU’s 2025 signing class on the first day of the NCAA’s early signing period Wednesday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
NIU inks 18 freshmen, 2 transfers on National Signing Day
The NIU marching band marches into position in front of the Huskie Athletic Fund presentation and the wall of people formed to watch the performance. Saturday’s The Yard featured a DJ instead of a live performance in addition to the marching band’s rally. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: The Yard kicks off pregame festivities vs Central Michigan
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo leaps and winds up for a serve on Nov. 8 at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball lost its season finale in four sets to Miami University on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Huskies routed by RedHawks in season finale
Senior libero Crew Hoffmeier celebrates on Nov. 8 against Bowling Green State University at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball snapped an 11-game losing streak with a win over Miami University on Friday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Huskies clip RedHawks wings in 3 sets
 

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NIU men's soccer sophomore goalkeeper Atahan Arslan (1) catches a corner kick from Drake University on Nov. 1 in NIU's 3-2 loss against Drake. The Huskies finished the 2024 season at the bottom of the Missouri Valley Conference standings, ending with a 1-6-1 record within the MVC. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
SCHAEFER: Men’s soccer wraps up disappointing 2024 season
By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | November 12, 2024
Sophomore forward Tyra King (5) pushes towards the goal on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer lost 1-0 to Western Michigan University on Thursday, ending the Huskies' 2024 season without an appearance in the Mid-American Conference Tournament. (Northern Star File Photo)
Women’s soccer narrowly misses out on MAC Tournament
By Eric Avila, Sports Reporter | October 31, 2024
Senior forward Zachariah Thomas (7) shoots the ball between defenders on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Thomas scored a goal in the 63rd minute on Wednesday as NIU men's soccer tied Bradley University in the season finale. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s soccer ties Bradley in final match
Sophomore defender Ethan Wilson (5) passes the ball on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer was eliminated from playoff contention with a 3-2 loss to Drake University on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Men’s soccer ends playoff hopes after loss to Drake
Graduate student midfielder Abby Zipse (15) jumps in celebration after scoring a goal from her corner kick with four minutes remaining on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer tied 1-1 against the University of Toledo Rockets for the Huskies' final home game of the season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Women’s soccer ties Toledo in final home match
Junior forward Kelsi McLaughlin dribbles the ball while being chased by an Eastern Michigan University defender on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer defeated Ball State University 3-1 on Thursday, moving into fifth place in the conference standings with a 3-3-3 record. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Women’s soccer improves tournament chances with win over Ball State
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NIU men's golf head coach John Carlson eyes down an NIU golfer's shot. After wrapping up the fall season on Oct. 27, Carlson announced the signing of three recruits for the 2025 season on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Men’s golf signs three for 2025 recruiting class
By Northern Star Sports Staff | November 19, 2024
Graduate student Emma Thorman watches her drive during her follow-through from the tee box. Thorman finished tied for 56th place as NIU women's golf finished in 12th place out of 12 teams at the Jim West Challenge on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf finishes last in final fall tournament
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | October 21, 2024
NIU men's golf senior Felix Krammer completes his follow-through while staring down his chip shot. Krammer finished in sixth place at the White Sands Collegiate which wrapped up on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies finish in 6th place at White Sands Collegiate
NIU senior golfer Felix Krammer eyes the fairway after completing his drive. Tying for second place, Krammer led the Huskies to Victory this weekend at the Badger Invitational at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Felix Krammer named MAC Golfer of the Week
Senior Caroline Kent watches her drive from the tee box on her follow-through. Kent led NIU women's golf as the Huskies finished in last place on Tuesday at the Illini Women's Invitational at Medinah. (Northern Star File Photo)
Women’s golf finishes last at the Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah
Sophomore Eva Nijenhuis watches the ball as she attempts a putt on the green. Women's golf finished in 11th place at the Diane Thomason Invitational on Tuesday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf takes 11th at Diane Thomason Invitational
NIU cross country senior Olivia Southby runs right behind McKendree sophomore Lydia Trump. The Huskies finished in 12th place at the Mid-American Conference championship on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies finish 12th at MAC Championship
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | November 3, 2024
Senior Julia Finegan (2) runs at the Redbird Tune Up on Feb. 16. Finegan finished third in the 800-meter run at the Fighting Illini Tune Up on Saturday. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Huskies net 2 first place finishes in visit to Urbana-Champaign
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | May 5, 2024
A group of runners begin the 5k race at the NIU Huskie Opener on Sept 6. NIU cross country will compete at the Mid-American Conference Championship on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
NIU Cross Country set to finish season at MAC Championship
NIU runners from left, senior Emma Vorpagel, freshman Rachel Dietrich, sophomore Morgan Gioia and senior Olivia Southby run on Sept. 6 at the 5k North 40 course. NIU cross country finished in eighth place on Friday at the Bradley Pink Classic. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Cross country takes 8th at Bradley Pink Classic
Sophomore Ari Christian (left) and graduate student Aasiyah Barr (right) run at the Redbird Tune-Up on Feb. 16. NIU track and field took four first-place finishes across the Kip Janzrin Open, ONU Outdoor Invitational and Drake Relays over the weekend. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Huskies win four events in three meet weekend
Then-freshman Faith Rouse trails then-junior Talayssia Sanders Feb. 16 at the Redbird Tune-Up. NIU track and field had three athletes finish in first place at the Blue-Gold Invite Friday. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Vorpagel highlights NIU’s weekend at the Michael Johnson Invitational
 

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NIU gymnastics interim head coach Dawnita Teague speaks with an NIU gymnast at the Convocation Center. Teague has coached at NIU since 2007 and now fills the empty position left by Sam Morreale's retirement on Sept. 26. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Dawnita Teague brings energy and experience to NIU gymnastics
By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter | December 5, 2024
Redshirt junior Jacob Christensen stares down his Rider University opponent on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center after his opponent broke free. Christensen competes as a heavyweight in the 285-pound weight class for NIU wrestling in 2024-25. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
What does it take to maintain weight as a collegiate wrestler?
By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter | December 2, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Isabella Sissi swings her arms out as she poses during her floor routine. NIU gymnastics revealed its 2025 schedule on Thursday. (Northern Star File Photo)
Gymnastics reveals 2025 schedule
Recently-retired NIU head gymnastics coach Sam Morreale walks on the floor during a gymnastics meet. The school announced Morreale’s retirement Thursday after a 13-year head coaching tenure with the program. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Gymnastics head coach Sam Morreale retires after 22 years at NIU
Redshirt junior Blake West fights against Rider University senior Will Betancourt’s grip at the base of his neck. West stopped Betancourt from winning a single point across all three periods. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: Huskies capture first win over Rider
Redshirt junior Jacob Christensen lifts Rider University freshman Collin French off the mat to slam him back down on Friday at the Convocation Center. Christensen won the final match to seal a 20-19 victory for NIU wrestling over the Broncs. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies come alive late to spur Broncs
Freshman catcher Cooper Cohn (4) beats a throw to first base on May 3 at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park. NIU baseball lost the series finale against Ball State University by a score of 13-10 on Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies out-slugged by Ball State, drop series finale
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | May 5, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson dives back to first base on Tuesday at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball dropped all three games of its regular season finale against Miami University on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)
Softball swept in series versus No. 25 RedHawks
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | May 5, 2024
Senior outfielder/catcher Colin Summerhill swings at a pitch in an NIU baseball home game against Ball State University on Friday. Summerhill notched four RBIs in the Huskies 12-3 rout of the Cardinals on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Brouwer’s no-hit bid powers Huskies to weekend win
Freshman catcher Cooper Cohn (4) hits a home run during the second inning at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Park. NIU baseball dropped the series opener against Ball State University by a score of 4-3 on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Ball State outlasts Huskies, NIU drops series opener
Junior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan hits an RBI single in the third inning of Game 2 on Tuesday. Carnahan drove in three runs on Tuesday as NIU softball split a doubleheader with Ball State University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies hammer Ball State with home-run frenzy
Sophomore catcher/utility Cara Cruthers (16) makes contact on March 29 at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball split Saturday's doubleheader with Bowling Green State University as each game was ended by mercy rule. (Northern Star File Photo)
NIU and Bowling Green swap wins in doubleheader
 

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Senior Felix Krammer watches his drive on his follow-through. Krammer finished tied for second place as NIU men's golf captured first place at the Badger Invitational on Tuesday in Madison, Wisconsin. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
NIU men’s golf victorious at Badger Invitational
By Edison Miller, Assistant Sports Editor | October 1, 2024
Senior Jóhanna Lúðvíksdóttir watches her shot on her follow-through. NIU women's golf finished in 12th place at the Mary Fossum Invitational on Monday in East Lansing, Michigan. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf takes 12th at Mary Fossum Invitational
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | September 23, 2024
Senior Felix Krammer taps in a putt on the green. Krammer finished in 13th place out of 75 golfers as NIU men's golf finished 13th out of 15 teams. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies’ finish 13th at Purdue Fall Invitational
Sophomore Craig Long hits a ball out of a bunker. Long was the top-scoring Huskie golfer as NIU men's golf placed 15th out of 15 teams at the Gopher Invitational. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies finish last at Gopher Invitational
Senior Caroline Kent watches her drive from the tee box on her follow-through. Kent tied for 20th place at the Redbird Invitational Monday as the Huskies finished in a tie for fifth place. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf takes 5th at Redbird Invitational
Youthful roster leads women’s golf for fall 2024
Freshman Saul Berdullas (left) and senior Armin Koschtojan (right) talk strategy during a doubles match on March 2. NIU men's tennis was eliminated from the MAC Championship on Saturday with a 4-0 loss to the University of Toledo. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s tennis eliminated by Toledo
By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | April 21, 2024
Junior Nataly Ninova returns the ball during her doubles match against Marquette University on the second day of the Huskie Invitational. Ninova was undefeated during her singles matches Friday and Saturday as well as with her doubles partner senior Erika Dimitriev. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: Women’s tennis dominates at Huskie Invitational
By Totus Tuus Keely, Senior Photojournalist | November 3, 2024
Sophomore Iker Gaztambide Arrastia winds up for a strike on March 2 at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. NIU men's tennis lost 4-3 to Western Michigan University on Sunday to drop to the No. 2 seed in the MAC Championship. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s tennis drops to No. 2 seed in regular season finale
Senior Cheng En Tsai strikes the ball at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House on March 2. Tsai won both his matches Friday as NIU men's tennis defeated Ball State University 5-2. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s tennis downs Ball State, wins 10th home match
Freshman Irmak Budak (left) and junior Jenna Horne (right) high five after earning the point against Lewis University. NIU women's tennis won 29 of 32 matches at the NIU Huskie Invitational from Friday to Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Women’s tennis shines at NIU Huskie Invitational
Sophomore Isabella Righi serves on March 9 at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. NIU women's tennis won its final match of the regular season 5-2 on Sunday against the University at Buffalo Bulls. (Northern Star File Photo)
NIU women’s tennis defeats Bulls in season finale