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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Kalin Schaefer

Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor

Kalin Schaefer is a sophomore at NIU majoring in elementary education with a minor in dance. She currently covers NIU’s men’s soccer and women’s tennis teams. Kalin joined the Northern Star in September 2023 as a sports reporter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking her dogs, watching sports and traveling.

All content by Kalin Schaefer
NIU women’s tennis freshman Lucia Yecora quickly returns the ball at the net to win a point during her doubles match against Valparaiso University on Feb. 15. The Huskies came back from losing the doubles point to defeat Western Michigan University by a score of 6-1 on Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies sweep singles for win over Broncos

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 23, 2025
NIU women’s tennis freshman Theodora Kousiou crouches down to prepare to return the ball during her match against Valparaiso University sophomore Lillian Kelly on Feb. 14. Kousiou earned one of the Huskies’ 2 points in their 5-2 loss against Ball State University on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies fall to Cardinals in first MAC loss

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 21, 2025
NIU women’s tennis senior Maria Dzemeshkevich rushes the ball at the net during her singles match against Valparaiso University junior Moira Silva on Feb. 15. Assistant Sports Editor Kalin Schaefer breaks down her three takeaways from NIU women’s tennis’ 14-3 start to the season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

SCHAEFER: Three takeaways from women’s tennis’ strong start

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 19, 2025
NIU women’s tennis junior Jenna Horne returns the ball during the Huskies’ match against Lewis University on Feb. 15. The Huskies won their first conference matchup against Eastern Michigan University by a score of 5-2 before sweeping the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies earn first MAC win, sweep Whitewater

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 17, 2025
NIU baseball then-freshman right fielder Charlie Parcell (44) throws the ball to the infield during the sixth inning against Kent State University on April 19. The Huskies dropped their first conference game in a 15-5 loss to Kent State on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies strand 12, fall to Kent State in 8 innings

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 7, 2025
NIU women’s tennis junior Isabella Righi returns a serve during her doubles match with freshman Lucia Yecora against Lewis University on Feb. 15. The Huskies won a 5-2 team match against the Marquette University Golden Eagles on Wednesday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies take midweek matchup with Marquette

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 5, 2025
NIU baseball then-freshman catcher Cooper Cohn (4) beats the throw at first base during a game against Ball State University on May 3. The Huskies completed a series sweep against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during a doubleheader on Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies complete sweep in first series win

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 3, 2025
NIU women’s tennis junior Nataly Ninova backhands a serve during her singles match against Valparaiso University sophomore Jolene Fernandes on Feb. 15. The Huskies swept Bradley University before falling 6-1 against Cornell University on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies dominate Braves, drop first home match to Cornell

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 2, 2025
NIU baseball then-senior shortstop Andre Demetral (1) gets set to throw the ball to first base for an out during the first inning against the University of Illinois Chicago on April 24. The Huskies lost their series against Southeast Missouri State University on Sunday, dropping an 11-1 game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies drop second straight series, fall to Redhawks in 8 innings

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 24, 2025
NIU baseball then-junior left fielder CJ Cepicky (39) talks with the third base coach before the top of the eighth inning against the University of Illinois Chicago on April 24. The Huskies recorded 13 strikeouts in a 3-0 loss against Southeast Missouri State University on Saturday.(Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies strikeout 13, shutout by Southeast Missouri

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 23, 2025
NIU women’s tennis sophomore Sydney Paradise lunges to return the ball against Lewis University on Feb. 15. The Huskies defeated the University of South Dakota by a score of 4-3, before sweeping the University of Sioux Falls on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis wins fifth straight, bests South Dakota and Sioux Falls

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 22, 2025
NIU women’s tennis junior Jenna Horne and senior Reagan Welch high five while swapping positions after winning a point against Lewis University. Horne and Welch were named the Mid-American Conference Doubles Team of the Week on Feb. 17. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Horne, Welch net MAC doubles weekly honors

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 18, 2025
NIU women’s tennis senior Maria Dzemeshkevich reaches high to return the ball in a 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) win against Valparaiso University junior Moira Silva. NIU women’s tennis is now 8-2 after wins against Valparaiso University and Lewis University on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis sparks 3 match win streak against Valparaiso and Lewis

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 16, 2025
NIU then-freshman catcher Cooper Cohn (4) runs to first during the first inning against the University of Illinois Chicago on April 24. NIU baseball dropped a 10-2 game against Nicholls State University on Saturday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies leave 12 on base, fall to Nicholls

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 16, 2025
NIU women’s tennis junior Jenna Horne prepares to strike a tennis ball over the net at the NIU Huskie Invitational on Nov. 3. The Huskies defeated Western Illinois University Saturday by a score of 7-0. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies conquer Leathernecks, earn sixth sweep

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 9, 2025
NIU women's tennis junior Nataly Ninova returns the ball during her doubles match against Marquette University on Nov. 2 at the Huskie Invitational. On Friday, the Huskies overcame the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by a score of 4-0 before falling to the University of Wisconsin-Madison by a score of 6-1. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis splits Friday matches

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 1, 2025
NIU women's tennis freshman Irmak Budak returns the shot close to the net during her doubles match against Lewis University at the Huskie Invitational on Nov. 2 in DeKalb. This week, Budak was named Mid-American Conference Singles Player of the Week. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Budak named MAC Singles Player of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
January 27, 2025
NIU women's tennis freshman Lucia Yecora returns the ball with a two-handed swing during her doubles match with junior Jenna Horne against Lewis University on Nov. 13 at the Huskie Invitational. NIU picked up two 7-0 victories Saturday over the University of Northern Iowa and Eastern Illinois University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis downs Northern Iowa and Eastern Illinois

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
January 25, 2025
NIU women's tennis freshman Irmak Budak returns the shot close to the net during the doubles match against Lewis University on Nov 2. NIU women's tennis suffered a 4-3 loss against the University of Missouri Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis suffers narrow loss to Mizzou

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
January 22, 2025
Junior Nataly Ninova prepares for her serve in the doubles match against Marquette University on Nov 3. The Huskies swept both Lindenwood University and Saint Louis University Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis dominates Lindenwood and Saint Louis

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
January 18, 2025
NIU then-junior left fielder CJ Cepicky (39) listens to the third base coach talk game strategy before the top of the eighth inning starts against the University of Illinois Chicago on April 24. NIU baseball released its 2025 season schedule on Dec 18. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Baseball unveils 2025 schedule

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
January 14, 2025
Junior Jenna Horne lunges and returns the ball during her doubles match against Lewis University. Horne snatched a singles victory over University of Notre Dame freshman Bianca Molnar in three sets Saturday at the Northwestern Invitational. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies take down Notre Dame and Northwestern in singles

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
January 13, 2025
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, Assistant Sports Editor
November 12, 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

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 7, 2024
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

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 3, 2024
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

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 2, 2024
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

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 27, 2024
Freshman midfielder Grant Paskus (13) dribbles towards centerfield on Oct. 12 at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Paskus scored his first career goal in the 89th minute on Friday as NIU men's soccer won 1-0 against the Belmont University Bruins. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s soccer breaks losing streak with win over Belmont

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 26, 2024
Sophomore forward Sam Divis (11) pushes forward with possession of the ball on Oct. 12 at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Divis scored the only goal for NIU men's soccer as the Huskies lost 2-1 to the University of Evansville on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s soccer falls late to Evansville, loses 6th straight

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 19, 2024
NIU freshman forward Alyssa Stephenson (12) attempts a shot that gets blocked by Central Michigan University junior defender Gabriella Sapia (20). The Huskies are currently 0-3-3 in the MAC after tying with the University of Akron 2-2 on Sunday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies fail to record conference win after tying with Akron

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 13, 2024
The NIU men's soccer team forms a huddle during its match against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix on Sept. 1. The Huskies fell to Missouri State University by a score of 7-0 on Sunday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies drop fourth straight to Missouri State

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 6, 2024
Sophomore forward Sam Divis (11) races University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee freshman defender Ryan Beghauer (12) to the ball near midfield on Tuesday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer lost 4-2 to the University of Illinois Chicago on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s soccer burned by UIC Flames

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 29, 2024
Redshirt freshman midfielder Joe Hernandez (left) battles for the ball with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee redshirt sophomore defender Mitch Goodman on Tuesday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer was shut out for the second game in a row as the Huskies lost 2-0 to Milwaukee. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Milwaukee shuts out men’s soccer

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 25, 2024
Redshirt freshman midfielder Joe Hernandez (22) fights to gain possession of the ball against Mercyhurst senior midfielder Callum Cleary (20) on Monday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer lost 4-0 to Western Illinois University on Friday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Men’s soccer shut down by Western Illinois

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 20, 2024
The NIU men's soccer team huddles together Monday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Despite Monday's win over Mercyhurst University, Sports Reporter Kalin Schaefer believe the Huskies are still in need of significant improvements. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Men’s soccer has a long way to go

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 17, 2024
Junior forward Amber Best (right) is congratulated by the NIU women’s soccer team on the sidelines after her goal in the second period. NIU women's soccer defeated Valparaiso University 2-1 on Sunday to win its sixth game of the season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s soccer defeats Valparaiso, wins 3rd straight

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 15, 2024
Freshman defender Tom Dahlin (right) guards University of Missouri-Kansas City sophomore defender Brevyn Cole (left) on Sept. 6 at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer was defeated by Bowling Green University 2-1 on Friday for its fourth-straight loss. (Brooke Schliephake | Northern Star)

Men’s soccer drops 4th-straight with loss to Bowling Green

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 13, 2024
Sophomore forward Kara Machala (23) chases the ball along the sidelines on Aug. 29 against the University of Southern Indiana. NIU women's soccer defeated Illinois State University 1-0 on Thursday, winning its fifth game of the season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies sneak past Illinois State

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 12, 2024
Freshman defender Julianna Hill winds up to clear the ball on Aug. 29 against the University of Southern Indiana. NIU women's soccer defeated Eastern Illinois University 3-0 Sunday for its fourth win of the season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Women’s soccer shuts down EIU 3-0

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 8, 2024
Freshman defender Tom Dahlin stands near the sidelines Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer lost 6-2 to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, dropping its third-consecutive game. (Brooke Schliephake | Northern Star)

Men’s soccer crushed in third-straight loss

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 7, 2024
Junior defender Jordyn Saddler controls the ball Aug. 29 against University of Southern Indiana. NIU women's soccer lost 4-0 to the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Thursday, its first loss of the 2024 season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s soccer collects first loss at Notre Dame

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 5, 2024
Senior forward Zachariah Thomas (7) dribbles the ball around a Chicago State University defender on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer lost 5-1 Thursday to the University of Memphis. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer trampled 5-1 in Memphis

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
August 29, 2024
Senior forward Kevin Kelly (10) approaches the ball Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Men's and women's soccer have added 22 new student-athletes for the 2024 season as the Huskies look to expand on conference championship tournament appearances in 2023. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

New faces lead charge for men’s and women’s soccer

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
August 26, 2024
Junior forward Taylor Davis winds up a kick on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer defeated Chicago State University 4-2 in the Huskies' 2024 home opener. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer takes home opener 4-2

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
August 25, 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, Assistant Sports Editor
April 21, 2024
Sophomore Jenna Horne prepares to serve at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Horne sealed a 4-3 victory for NIU women's tennis on Friday with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) win in the final match of the day. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis inches past Ball State

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 20, 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

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 15, 2024
Sophomore Jenna Horne awaits an opponent's serve at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House on March 9. NIU women's tennis lost its second consecutive match as they fell 6-1 to the University of Toledo. (Northern Star File Photo)

Women’s tennis loses 6-1, starts losing skid

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 13, 2024
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

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 13, 2024
NIU sophomore Iker Gaztambide Arrastia gets set for an opponent's serve during a doubles match on March 2. Gaztambide Arrastia was the only Huskie to win a match as NIU men's tennis lost 6-1 to the University of Toledo Sunday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s tennis loses 6-1, snaps MAC win streak at 5

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 9, 2024
NIU junior Reagan Welch prepares to return a serve on March 9. Welch's singles win earned the only point for NIU women's tennis Sunday in a 6-1 loss to Western Michigan University. (Northern Star File Photo)

Women’s tennis routed 6-1 by Western Michigan

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 8, 2024
NIU senior Armin Koschtojan gets set to serve in a doubles match on March 2. Koschtojan was one of five NIU men's tennis players to win a singles match in a 5-2 win over the University at Buffalo Friday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s tennis grabs fifth straight MAC win

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
April 6, 2024
NIU sophomore Christopher Norlin celebrates during a doubles match on March 2. Norlin won in singles and doubles as NIU men's tennis defeated University of Illinois Chicago 6-1 Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s tennis thumps UIC, wins fifth straight

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 31, 2024
Sophomore Jenna Horne awaits a strike from her opponent at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Women's tennis fell 1-6 to Eastern Michigan University Friday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis crushed by Eastern Michigan

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 30, 2024
NIU sophomore Nataly Ninova prepares for a strike against Eastern Illinois University on March 9. Ninova and her doubles partner, junior Erika Dimitriev, earned MAC Doubles Team of the Week honors, along with NIU seniors Mikael Vollbach and Cheng En Tsai. (Northern Star File Photo)

Tennis Sweeps MAC Doubles Team of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 28, 2024
NIU senior Diana Lukyanova bounces the ball before serving at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House Saturday. Lukyanova won all her matches in both singles and doubles as women's tennis defeated Eastern Illinois University 7-0 and University of St. Thomas 6-1. (Katherine Follmer | Northern Star)

Women’s tennis’ Saturday sweep extends winning streak to 5

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 10, 2024
Freshman Sam Klein (left) and sophomore Iker Gaztambide Arrastia (right) reach for a handshake at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Gaztambide Arrastia won his doubles match with sophomore Christopher Norlin as NIU defeated Ball State University 5-2. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Men’s tennis wins 9th straight with win over Ball State

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 9, 2024
Sophomore Jenna Horne winds up a shot at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Horne won her doubles match with junior Reagan Welch 6-4 as NIU defeated Lewis University 5-2. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis defeats Lewis, wins third straight

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 9, 2024
NIU senior Mikael Vollbach gets set to receive the serve during singles. Vollbach scored the Huskies’ second point in a tight match that went to a second set tiebreaker as he defeated University of Nebraska Omaha sophomore Ryoma Mishiro with scores of 6-4, 7-6 and 7-5. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Vollbach earns MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honors

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 7, 2024
Then-junior Mikael Vollbach stands ready to receive a serve during men's tennis' match against the University of Illinois Chicago on Feb. 22, 2023. Vollbach won all three of his matches Saturday, including his doubles match with senior Cheng En Tsai and the dual-clinching singles match against University of Nebraska Omaha. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Men’s tennis take two decisive victories

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 3, 2024
Junior Reagan Welch pursues a shot to her right in a doubles match at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Welch won her singles match 6-2, 6-0 and her doubles match with sophomore Jenna Horne 6-0 as women's tennis defeated University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 6-1 Friday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis takes down undefeated Whitewater

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
March 2, 2024
Junior Reagan Welch prepares for a strike at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Welch won her singles match against Valparaiso University sophomore Elizabeth Sobieski Saturday, as well as her doubles match with senior Anastasia Rakita. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis sneaks past Valparaiso

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 27, 2024
Sophomore Isabella Righi sets up her serve in an NIU women's tennis home meet. Righi won her match against Chicago State sophomore Amina Taibi 6-2, 6-4 as women's tennis defeated the Cougars 4-3 Sunday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis goes 1-1 in Chicago area road trip

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 20, 2024
Senior Diana Lukyanova prepares for a strike at the Chick Evans Field House. Lukyanova was 3-0 in finished singles and doubles matches Friday against Western Illinois University and Bradley University. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis undefeated against Western Illinois and Bradley

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 17, 2024
Senior Diana Lukyanova prepares to return a shot in an NIU women's tennis home meet. Lukyanova and sophomore Isabella Righi were named the MAC Doubles Team of the Week on Thursday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Lukyanova, Righi named MAC Doubles Team of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 15, 2024
Sophomore Nataly Ninova (left) and junior Erika Dimitriev celebrate a point during an NIU women's tennis home match against the University of Wisconsin on Saturday. The pair won their doubles match against the University of Iowa and each won their singles match against the University of Northern Iowa on Friday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis shines in doubles

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 10, 2024
Junior Erika Dimitriev awaits a serve in a match against University of Wisconsin-Madison on Jan. 20. Dimitriev won in both singles and doubles in NIU's win over Bellarmine University on Saturday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis squeaks past Bellarmine

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 4, 2024
Sophomore Jenna Horne prepares for a shot against the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Jan. 20. Horne won her doubles match with junior Reagan Welch 6-3 against Marquette University. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis pummels Marquette, earns first win

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 3, 2024
Freshman Arianna Calloway sits in front of a gray background. Calloway earned MAC Women's Field Athlete of the Week after breaking NIU's high jump record. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Calloway earns MAC honor after record-breaking performance

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
December 7, 2023
NIU cheerleaders perform their opening routine at a home NIU football game on Sept. 9. NIU football averaged 9,198 fans per game during the 2022 season, good for last out of all FBS schools. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Why are NIU stadium seats so empty?

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 29, 2023
Senior midfielder Camilo Estrada receives a pass in men's soccer's match against Loyola-Chicago on Sept. 26. Despite a loss in the MVC semifinals, heroic performances from the Huskies' defense is a building block for the future. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Reviewing men’s soccer’s surprising season

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 27, 2023
From left: Then-NIU junior catcher Colin Summerhill (8), then-junior shortstop Andre Demetral (1), then-redshirt sophomore pitcher Matt Salomonson (34), then-junior second baseman Aaron Harper (22) and then-junior first baseman Andrew Smart (27) approach the pitcher's mound early into the Huskies’ game against Ohio University on March 24. New head coach Ryan Copeland announced 13 new recruits for the 2025 season. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Baseball announces 13 new recruits

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 27, 2023
Then-senior Luis Hernandez handles the ball during a game at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Hernandez and senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek were named to the MVC All-Tournament team. (Northern Star File Photo)

Rojek, Hernandez named to MVC All-Tournament team

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 13, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek stands in the goal ready to block a shot. Rojek turned away 9 Western Michigan shots in men's soccer's 3-1 loss in the MVC semifinals on Wednesday in Kalamazoo. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer eliminated from MVC Tournament

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 8, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek kicks a ball in an NIU men's soccer home game. The Huskies will face Western Michigan University in the MVC Tournament semifinals on Wednesday. (Courtesy NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer to face Broncos in MVC Tournament semifinals

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 8, 2023
The Ellwood House Museum sits in the snow. The Museum has announced its schedule for the 2023 holiday season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Holiday schedule announced for Ellwood House Museum

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 7, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek roams in front of the net during an NIU men's soccer home game. Rojek recorded a career-high 11 saves en route to a 2-1 victory over Bowling Green State University in the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament on Sunday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer defeats Bowling Green in MVC Tournament quarterfinals

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 6, 2023
Members of NIU men's soccer crowd around the ball during their match against the University of Illinois Chicago on Sept. 12, 2022. Fifth-year midfielder Braeden Beard earned the MVC Offensive Player of the Week with 2 assists on Wednesday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Beard’s 2 helpers earns MVC Offensive Player of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 4, 2023
Sophomore midfielder Angel Rodriguez navigates the ball through a Loyola defender. Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal late in the Huskies' game against Bowling Green State University on Wednesday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Arima’s goal lifts men’s soccer to playoffs

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
November 2, 2023
Graduation cap sits on $100 bills. The U.S. Department of Education withheld over $7 million to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority for sending late billing statements to over 800,000 borrowers. (Getty Image)

U.S. Department of Education withholds funds from loan authority

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 30, 2023
Junior forward Taisei Arima rushes the ball up the field in men's soccer's MVC opener against Missouri State. The Huskies were shut out by the University of Illinois Chicago by a final score of 2-0 Friday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer’s offense burned by Flames

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 28, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek protects the net during NIU's men's soccer's game against Aurora University on Sept. 4. The Huskies will need Rojek to keep up his strong play in order to make the MVP tournament. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Men’s soccer’s offense must prove itself

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 23, 2023
Senior midfielder Camilo Estrada receives a pass in men's soccer's match against Loyola-Chicago on Sept. 26. The Huskies dropped their match against Western Michigan University by a final score of 3-1. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Sing’s 2 goals lift Western Michigan over men’s soccer

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 18, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek stands in front of the net during an NIU men's soccer home game. Rojek was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Rojek named MVC Defensive Player of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 18, 2023
Senior midfielder Eddie Knight (19) dribbles past Aurora's defenders, going in for his second goal in the first half on Sept. 4. Knight is tied for the team lead in goals with three. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Men’s soccer entering crucial stretch

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 16, 2023
A gas pump sits in front of a gas station on a sunny day. Gas prices are down nearly 75 cents from Oct. 2022. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Illinois gas prices continue to drop

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 9, 2023
Taylor Swift performs in a pink and blue sequined bodysuit during her Era's tour. Since rumors of Swift dating Chief's player Travis Kelce blew up over social media, football fans and Swifties alike are confused about what the big deal is. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Explaining Swifties for sports fans

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 9, 2023
Sophomore midfielder Angel Rodriguez handles the ball on Aug. 27. Rodriguez scored the lone NIU goal on a penalty kick in the Huskies' tie against Drake University on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Rodriguez’s late goal leads to tie with Drake University

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 7, 2023
Sophomore midfielder Angel Rodriguez guides the ball on Aug. 27 at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex against the University of Memphis. Rodriguez scored the lone goal against the Tigers. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer halts winless skid at Marquette

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 3, 2023

Women’s tennis shines at Hoosier Invitational

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
October 2, 2023
Junior forward Taisei Arima battles for the ball during men's soccer's game against Missouri State University on Sept. 16. The Huskies were shut out by the Bears by a final score of 3-0. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer vs Loyola ruled no-contest

By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 26, 2023
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