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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Lucas Didier

Lucas Didier, Sports Editor

Lucas Didier is a senior journalism student serving as the sports editor for the Northern Star. He began as a sports reporter in fall of 2023 and became the assistant sports editor in spring of 2024. He has primarily covered women’s basketball and softball.

All content by Lucas Didier
First baseman Anthony Rizzo walks back to the dugout after striking out to end the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series on Oct. 30 in New York. Sports Editor Lucas Didier believes Rizzo is one free agent that should be signed by the Chicago Cubs this offseason. (Godofredo A. Vásquez | AP Photo)

DIDIER: 5 key free agency targets for Cubs

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 13, 2024
Freshman forward Jayden Mott drops from the rim after a dunk midway through the second half on Tuesday at the Convocation Center. NIU men's basketball scored 24 points in the paint as the Huskies defeated Monmouth University 79-66 on Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball grounds Hawks

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 12, 2024
A graphic shows NIU student-athletes from various sports with arrows indicating highs and lows. Sports Editor Lucas Didier shared the best and worst moments for Huskie sports in October. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

Highs and lows for Huskie sports in October

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 1, 2024
A graphic shows NIU student-athletes from various sports with arrows pointing up and down. Sports Editor Lucas Didier summarized the best and worst moments for Huskie sports in September. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Highs and lows for Huskie sports in September

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
October 2, 2024
Sophomore goalkeeper Atahan Arslan kicks the ball away from the net on Monday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Arslan had 2 saves in a 1-0 victory for men's soccer over Mercyhurst University. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Men’s soccer snaps losing streak with win over Mercyhurst

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
September 16, 2024
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed spikes over the net on Aug. 30 against Western Illinois University. Grevengoed recorded her fourth-straight double-double Saturday as NIU volleyball lost in four sets to the University of St. Thomas. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball falls in 4 sets to St. Thomas

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
September 7, 2024
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during a news conference following an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Aug. 22 in Kansas City, Missouri. Sports Editor Lucas Didier believes Eberflus and the Bears could find success in 2024. (Ed Zurga | AP Photo)

COLUMN: How the Bears could succeed in 2024

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
September 3, 2024
Graduate student goalkeeper Ary Purifoy (00) holds the ball and looks for a teammate downfield Thursday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Purifoy earned her second shutout of the season Sunday as NIU women's soccer defeated Oakland University 1-0. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Women’s soccer outlasts Oakland

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
September 1, 2024
Sophomore forward Tyra King (5) celebrates with her NIU team members after scoring the first goal of the game. King led the team with two goals as the Huskies defeated the University of Southern Indiana 6-1 on Thursday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

King leads 6-1 win over USI

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
August 29, 2024
A graphic displays photos of NIU student-athletes from football, volleyball, men's soccer and women's soccer. Sports Editor Lucas Didier shares his most important focus areas for each of NIU's fall sports teams. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: How the Huskies can excel in fall 2024

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
August 25, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart (left) and senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson (right) jump up for a high five during pre-game on April 12. NIU softball won both games of a doubleheader on Wednesday against Valparaiso University. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball sweeps Valparaiso in doubleheader

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
April 24, 2024
Junior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan high fives NIU assistant coach Alaynie Woollard on March 27 at Mary M. Bell Field. Carnahan hit a 3-run single against the University at Buffalo as NIU softball split Saturday's doubleheader. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball splits home doubleheader against Buffalo

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
April 21, 2024
Senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker is tagged out on a stolen base attempt on March 30 at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball was swept in a road doubleheader on Tuesday against Western Michigan University. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball strikes out in Kalamazoo doubleheader

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
April 16, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart (22) starts her pitching windup at Mary M. Bell Field on Friday. Stewart earned the win, pitching a complete game and recording a home run and a triple at the plate as NIU softball defeated the University of Toledo 8-3. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Stewart pushes NIU softball over Toledo

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
April 13, 2024
Junior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner is called out on a stolen base attempt on March 29. The Huskies were swept in a three-game series against Ohio University on Saturday and Sunday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball swept in Ohio, drop to 10th in MAC

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
April 7, 2024
Senior pitcher Claire Norred (19) throws the opening pitch at Mary M. Bell Field Tuesday. The Huskies lost their home opener 17-5 to DePaul. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball goes cold in home opener, loses 6th straight

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
March 26, 2024
Senior forward Brooke Stonebraker shoots a jump hook over an Eastern Illinois University opponent on Dec. 18, 2023. In her first year as a starter, Stonebraker finished the 2023-24 season as the Huskies leader in points and rebounds. (Northern Star File Photo)

Stonebraker and the patient path to stardom

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
March 21, 2024
Senior guard Jayden Marable (3) scans the court on offense during the fourth quarter against Bowling Green State University on Feb. 24. Marable scored 6 points in the Huskies' 63-60 defeat to Kent State University in the MAC Tournament Wednesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball eliminated by Kent State in MAC Tournament

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
March 15, 2024
Junior guard Laura Nickel (32) pushes through Miami University graduate student guard Jordan Tuff (1) while driving towards the paint. Nickel scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds off the bench in a 56-46 win over the RedHawks. (Courtesy of Miami Athletics)

Women’s basketball clinches MAC Tournament berth with win over Miami

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
March 7, 2024
Senior forward Brooke Stonebraker (34) attempts to box out Bowling Green State University senior forward Sophie Dziekan (3). Stonebraker scored 13 points in a 82-73 loss to the Falcons Saturday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball falls short in offensive outburst

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 24, 2024
Senior forward Brooke Stonebraker (34) shoots a jump shot over an Akron University opponent. Stonebraker earned her eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds in Wednesday's win over the University at Buffalo Bulls. (Northern Star File Photo)

Women’s basketball decisively defeats Bulls in rematch

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 22, 2024
Then junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) tosses the ball to the pitcher as Central Michigan University batters switch out on April 2, 2023. Erickson had two hits in a 6-5 loss to Central Michigan Sunday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball can’t capitalize, loses to Central Michigan

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 18, 2024
Junior guard Laura Nickel (32) dribbles the ball down the court toward her teammates Feb. 14 against Western Michigan University. Nickel recorded a season-high 12 points in Saturday's win over Eastern Michigan University. (Katherine Follmer | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball rebounds to take rematch over EMU

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 17, 2024
Senior guard Jayden Marable (3) ducks under Western Michigan senior guard Gabi Saxman (10) in a drive to the basket. Marable contributed 11 points in the Huskies' loss on Wednesday. (Katherine Follmer | Northern Star)

No shot for women’s basketball against Western Michigan

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 14, 2024
Senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker prepares for a pitch against Western Illinois University at the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic on Friday. Shumaker blasted a walk-off RBI double against Butler University Sunday. (Landon Wirt | Courtesy of UNI Athletics)

Extra-inning walk-off sends softball over Butler

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 12, 2024
Redshirt junior guard Sidney McCrea drives past a Ball State University defender in an NIU women's basketball home game Wednesday. McCrea led the Huskies in scoring with 17 points in a 76-71 victory over the Cardinals. (Katherine Follmer | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball topples first-place Ball State in overtime

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 8, 2024
Senior forward Brooke Stonebraker shoots a jump hook over an Eastern Illinois University opponent on Dec. 18, 2023. Stonebraker is currently second in the MAC in rebounds and third among forwards in points per game. (Northern Star file photo)

COLUMN: Creating the MAC women’s basketball All-Star team

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
February 1, 2024
Senior forward Brooke Stonebraker (34) shoots a jump shot over an Akron University opponent. Stonebraker scored 15 points in a 72-54 loss to Bowling Green State University on Wednesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Second quarter crumble fuels blowout loss for women’s basketball

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
January 31, 2024
Senior guard Jayden Marable (3) attempts to create space and drive past Akron junior guard Kaia Woods (0). The Huskies and Akron are scheduled to face off again March. 2 in Ohio. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball loses heartbreaker to Akron

By Angel Morales and Lucas Didier
January 28, 2024
Then-junior guard Jayden Marable attempts to dribble past a defender in an NIU women's basketball home game against Ball State University on Feb. 18, 2023. Marable, the shortest player listed on NIU's current roster, is second in rebounds per game for the Huskies. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

COLUMN: NIU women’s basketball has become the face of mediocrity

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
January 25, 2024
Senior forward Brooke Stonebraker shoots a jump hook over an Eastern Illinois University opponent on Dec. 18, 2023. Stonebraker is currently second in the MAC in rebounds and third among forwards in points per game. (Northern Star file photo)

Frequent miscues bring down women’s basketball in Toledo

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
January 24, 2024
NIU women's basketball team huddled in a circle before the game on Feb. 18, 2023 against Ball State. The Huskies defeated the University of Central Michigan on Saturday by a final score of 70- 57. (Northern Star file photo)

Second half surge sends women’s basketball over Central Michigan

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
January 20, 2024
Redshirt freshman forward Brooke Blumenfeld shoots a fadeaway over a Lindenwood University defender on Nov. 21, 2023. Blumenfeld scored 10 points off the bench in a 65-58 loss to the University at Buffalo on Wednesday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball outlasted by Bulls, begins losing streak

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
January 17, 2024
Junior guard David Coit (right) looks for an open player on Tuesday as Indiana State senior guard Ryan Conwell (3) attempts to block a pass. The Huskies were defeated by Indiana State 67-90. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Tale of 2 halves: Men’s basketball crumbles at home

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
December 6, 2023
The NIU women's basketball team celebrates following its victory over Lindenwood University on Nov. 21. The Huskies fell to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 89-79 on Sunday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball outpaced by SIUE, loses second straight

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
December 3, 2023
A headshot of NIU Athletics Hall of Famer Mark Kellar. Kellar, a former NIU football fullback, ranks fourth in NIU history in rushing yards and sixth in rushing touchdowns. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

NIU Athletics Hall of Famer Mark Kellar dies at 71

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 30, 2023
Then-sophomore guard Jayden Marable (3) drives to the basket as then-Miami University senior guard Peyton Scott (24) defends during Jan. 23's Mid-American Conference matchup between the Huskies and RedHawks at the NIU Convocation Center. NIU women's basketball had its three-game winning streak snapped by Wisconsin on Wednesday. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball clobbered by Wisconsin

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 29, 2023
Redshirt junior guard Sidney McCrea shoots during the NIU women's basketball game against Lindenwood on Tuesday. The Huskies won the game 77-60. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Marable’s big night snaps 3-game losing streak

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 22, 2023
NIU women's basketball team huddles in a circle before the game on Feb. 18 against Ball State. The Huskies fell to the University of Southern Indiana on Thursday by a final score of 66-60. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball suffers third-straight loss to start 2023

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 16, 2023

Women’s golf makes international signing with Alexa Ouellet

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 16, 2023
Then-senior guard Chelby Koker (10) dribbles the ball to an open part of the court while then-junior forward Tara Stauffacher (21) defends Koker from University of Akron’s then-sophomore forward Reagan Bass (34) on Feb. 8 at the NIU Convocation Center. The Huskies fell to Western Illinois by a final score of 95-62 on Saturday. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball dominated in blowout loss

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 12, 2023
Jay Mueller, Tri Sigs coach and member of Phi Sigma Kappa, hoists the Sigma Sigma Sigma flag while Tri Sigs members hold up their first place trophy. Sigma Sigma Sigma won the Tugs tournament Saturday, increasing its win streak to three years in a row. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Tri Sigma completes three-peat in women’s Tugs

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 11, 2023

Men’s golf adds four high-ranking golfers for the 2024-25 season

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 9, 2023

Arrastia shines at MAC Indoor Championships

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 8, 2023
Fifth year guard Chelby Koker (10) advances the ball down court past Kent State University junior guard Casey Santoro (0) on Jan. 25. Koker racked up 21 points throughout the game at the NIU Convocation Center. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Koker earns preseason All-MAC First Team honors

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
November 2, 2023
A model of the 1899 Club shows people walking past the club, a proposed extension of the Yordon Center that focuses on nutritional needs of NIU student-athletes. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

NIU unveils $4 million student-athlete nutrition project

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
October 24, 2023
Then-junior Mikael Vollbach stands ready to receive a serve during men's tennis' match against the University of Illinois Chicago on Feb. 22. Vollbach and senior Cheng En Tsai won two doubles matches before falling in the Round of 16 at the ITA Regional this weekend. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Norlin earns four wins at ITA Regional

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
October 24, 2023
Sophomore midfielder Angel Rodriguez handles the ball against a Loyola defender on Sept. 26. The Huskies defeated Belmont by a final score of 1-0 Sunday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Defense, own goal push men’s soccer over Belmont

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
October 22, 2023
Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman speaks onstage Tuesday at the Carl Sandburg Auditorium. Tillman spoke to NIU students about being an underdog and his journey to the NFL. (Lucas Didier | Northern Star)

Charles Tillman motivates with inspiring NFL stories

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
October 18, 2023
Lea Gruennagel (11), a junior defender, runs around an opponent from Miami University to get the ball during Sunday’s game. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Women’s soccer drops chippy contest to Buffalo

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
October 12, 2023
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