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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Skyler Kisellus

Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter

Skyler Kisellus is a junior accountancy major and a sports reporter at the Northern Star. Once a "Florida Man" for 16 years, Skyler joined the Star in Fall 2021 as a sports reporter and became the assistant sports editor shortly thereafter. He covers NIU’s volleyball and gymnastics teams and serves as a co-host on "All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast."

Outside of the office, he enjoys watching the Cincinnati Bengals, reading webcomics and playing billiards.

All content by Skyler Kisellus
Buddy, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat, sits inside a cubby. Buddy is available for adoption for $75.00 at Tails Humane Society. (Courtesy of Tails Humane Society)

Tails’ Buddy ready to be your feline friend

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 19, 2024
Then-NIU volleyball head coach Pete Waite stands courtside during a match. Waite will be inducted into the 2024 NIU Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend after leading the Huskies to a program-best .723 winning percentage during his 11 seasons as NIU’s head coach. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Former volleyball coach Pete Waite named to 2024 Hall of Fame Class

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 17, 2024
Seven Phi Kappa Psi members push off of their trench to resist the tug on the other side of a rope during practice at their fraternity house at 1020 W. Hillcrest Drive. The Interfraternity Council is set to host the 2024 IFC Mens Tugs event starting Monday at 4:30 p.m. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

2024 tugs tourney kicks off Monday

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 15, 2024
Two American flags and music notes rest under the words Look Both Ways and the topic of the week: playing the national anthem at sports events. Is the national anthem overplayed at sports events? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: National anthem at sports events

By Skyler Kisellus and Will Thiel
April 15, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart swings and hits a homerun Friday at Mary M. Bell Field. Stewart hit a home run and pitched five innings as the Huskies split Saturdays doubleheader with the University of Toledo. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball splits Saturday action, wins series over Toledo

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 14, 2024
NIU sophomore gymnast Kiera O’Shea is introduced ahead of the first session of the semifinals round of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional on Thursday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. O’Shea made her NCAA Regional debut Thursday after battling sickness and injuries during her first two years as a college gymnast. (Courtesy of Meaghan Frazier)

Through illness and injury, O’Shea prospers

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 4, 2024
Junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia prepares to serve in an NIU volleyball home game against the University of Akron on Oct. 27, 2023. The MAC announced a new schedule format for conference games on March 27. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

MAC, NIU volleyball announce 2024 conference slate

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 3, 2024
Senior third baseman Caitlyn Shumaker (3) rounds first base after hitting a single to left field against Kent State Saturday. Shumaker broke the NIU softball career record of 61 stolen bases. (Northern Star File Photo)

Shumaker swipes NIU’s stolen bases record

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
April 1, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson rounds third base in an NIU softball home game against Kent State University on Friday. Erickson scored the game-winning run to seal the Huskies 3-2 walk-off victory over the Golden Flashes. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Shumaker walks off Kent State to snap losing skid

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 30, 2024
NIU sophomore gymnast Kiera O’Shea salutes at the end of her vault routine during the Huskies’ home-opening tri-meet against Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University on Jan. 28 at the Convocation Center. O’Shea was one of two NIU gymnasts to qualify for NCAA Regionals on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: NIU’s keys to breaking through regionals

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 28, 2024
NIU gymnastics senior Alyssa Al-Ashari executes a back handspring on the balance beam during the final rotation of Sunday’s MAC dual meet against Kent State University in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent, Ohio. Al-Ashari finished tied for first on beam at the MAC Championships Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Al-Ashari, O’Shea crowned MAC champs on beam, vault

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 24, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari starts her beam routine at the EMU gymnastics meet on Feb. 17. Al-Ashari was named to the All-MAC second team Tuesday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Al-Ashari, O’Shea named to All-MAC Second Team

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 19, 2024
Junior gymnast Isabella Sissi swings her arms out as she poses during her floor routine. Sissi returned to NIUs lineup Sunday after missing the Huskies home finale on March 10. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies finish third in Minnesota to close regular season

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 18, 2024
NIU then-redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Lynch prepares to throw a pass during a game against the University at Buffalo on Oct. 13, 2012, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Lynch was announced Friday as a member of the 2024 classes of the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame and MAC Hall of Fame. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Former Huskie star Jordan Lynch to join NIU, MAC Halls of Fame

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 17, 2024
Then NIU junior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker (3) points to communicate with a coach before an inning on March 31, 2023. Shumaker scored the winning run against College of the Holy Cross Saturday on a bunt from freshman outfielder Katy Ramage. (Northern Star File Photo)

Ramage walks off Crusaders as Huskies split Saturday action

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 10, 2024
Then-senior linebacker Tyler Jackson (0) lines up behind then-redshirt sophomore George Gumbs Jr. and then-junior defensive tackle Cade Haberman in an NIU football home game against Ohio University on Oct. 14, 2023. NIU footballs 2024 schedule was released Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU finalizes 2024 football schedule

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 6, 2024
A graphic shows Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus above the logos of 12 Illinois universities. Kisellus details how he would fare in a hypothetical fist fight with each of the 12 Illinois universities mascots. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Rumbling with Illinois mascots

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 6, 2024
NIU junior gymnast Isabella Sissi competes on floor during the second rotation of a quad-meet Sunday inside the James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sissi finished second in the all-around with a score of 39.050 as NIU finished third in the meet, behind North Carolina State University and Iowa State University, with a team score of 195.200. (Courtesy of NC State Athletics)

O’Shea vault title lands NIU third place in N.C.

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 4, 2024
NIU senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker throws the ball during the Huskies’ 11-2 loss to Western Kentucky University in five innings Sunday at the WKU Softball Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky. NIU’s defeat sent the Huskies home with a 1-3 record at the Hilltopper Spring Fling. (Courtesy of Wyatt Richardson)

Softball splits weekend finale in Western Kentucky

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
March 3, 2024
NIU freshman gymnast Isabella Ross places a crown upon freshman Dawsyn Sallee’s head during the Huskies’ home quad-meet Sunday at the Convocation Center. Sallee received MAC Specialist of the Week honors Tuesday after posting NIU’s highest scores on vault and beam at the meet. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Sallee named MAC Specialist of the Week

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 27, 2024
NIU senior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari salutes at the end of her bars routine in the second rotation of the Beauty and the Beast Meet on Feb. 9 at the Convocation Center. Al-Ashari serves as one of the Huskies four team captains while being a consistent standout on the uneven parallel bars and the balance beam. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Alyssa Al-Ashari’s ascent to bar and beam stardom

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 26, 2024
NIU senior outfielder/catcher Colin Summerhill throws during Thursday’s 10-2 loss to then-second-ranked Louisiana State University at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Summerhill’s RBI double in the ninth inning of Saturday’s rematch helped the Huskies avoid a shutout in their 5-2 defeat to the third-ranked Tigers. (Courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)

Baseball outhits No. 3 LSU in weekend finale

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 25, 2024
NIU freshman gymnast Dawsyn Sallee salutes at the end of her vault routine during the second rotation of NIUs road meet against Eastern Michigan University on Sunday inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sallee scored a 9.850 in the fourth spot of the Huskies vault lineup to match her personal best in the event. (Steve King | EMU Athletics)

Huskies drop EMU rematch despite strong finish

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 18, 2024
Then NIU freshman pitcher and utility player Danielle Stewart (22) reaches for the ball as then junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) passes it at home plate during NIU Softballs home game against Central Michigan University March 31, 2023. Stewart struck out eight batters in a complete game win over University of Alabama at Birmingham Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball splits Day 2 of South Alabama Invitational

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 18, 2024
Freshman gymnast Isabella Ross poses while her teammates cheer for her completed routine. NIU gymnastics will face Eastern Michigan University Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

‘We got a little payback in us’: Huskies ready for rematch with Eagles

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 16, 2024
Former NIU Director of Athletics Cary Groth (left), ESPN Sportscenter Anchor Nicole Briscoe and Dr. Tonya Davis sit on stage at a Women’s Excellence Panel Discussion held Feb. 7 in the south lobby of the Convocation Center. The three panelists discussed prevalent topics revolving around women’s empowerment at the event celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Former Huskies tackle topics in women’s sports

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 15, 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

By Ethan Gonzales, Skyler Kisellus, and Anna Scanlan
February 14, 2024
NIU gymnasts cheer and head coach Sam Morreale oversees the start of sophomore Kiera O’Shea’s vault routine during Sunday’s dual meet against Kent State University at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent, Ohio. O’Shea tied for first place on the event after implementing a Yurchenko full-and-a-half into her anchoring routine. (Cadence Pierce | Kent Stater)

Gymnastics falls to flashy Kent State

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 12, 2024
Junior gymnast Isabella Sissi poses during her floor exercise routine at NIU gymnastics and wrestlings Beauty and the Beast meet Friday. Sissi, an all-arounder, finished Fridays quad meet with a total score of 39.100. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Gymnastics take second at Beauty and the Beast meet

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 10, 2024
Then-freshman utility player Danielle Stewart (22), at bat, watches the ball fly after swinging during an NIU softball game against Central Michigan University on April 1, 2023 at Mary M. Bell Field in DeKalb. Stewart recorded 2 RBIs in NIUs victory over Western Illinois University Friday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Softball survives late comeback, nabs first win of 2024

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 10, 2024
The 2024 NIU softball team poses for its official team photo. The Huskies open their season Friday at the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic, facing five teams in three days. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Hungry for crown: Softball chases conference conquest

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 7, 2024
Then-redshirt sophomore quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open pass during an NIU football game against the University of Tulsa on Sep. 23, 2023. After 3 years of playing behind Rocky Lombardi, Hampton is the favorite to become the starting quarterback for NIU football in 2024. (Northern Star File Photo)

COLUMN: 3 position battles to watch in spring ball

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
February 2, 2024
Logo for ‘All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast’ (Graphic by Harrison Linden | Northern Star)

‘All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast Episode 32’ – Looking toward the rest of the semester

By Anna Scanlan, Ethan Gonzales, Skyler Kisellus, and Eddie Miller
January 28, 2024
Junior gymnast Isabella Sissi swings her arm as she poses during her floor routine Sunday at the NIU gymnastics Tri-meet. Sissi, the Huskies lone all-arounder, accumulated 39.050 total points Sunday. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

NIU falters in home opener after beam breakdown

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 28, 2024
Senior Olivia Lynd and the rest of the Huskie gymnasts make their entrance to a Jan. 13 meet against Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. NIU gymnastics is set to compete in a tri-meet against Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University on Sunday. (Courtesy of Dena Martz)

Back in black: Huskies to host CMU, EMU in home opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 25, 2024
Sophomore Nataly Ninova (left) and junior Erika Dimitriev celebrate a point during an NIU womens tennis home match against the University of Wisconsin on Saturday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Dimitriev, Ninova snag MAC doubles weekly honor

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 23, 2024
NIU sophomore Kiera OShea strikes a pose during her floor exercise routine at a Jan. 13 meet against Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. OShea scored a 9.900 on vault, a score that is tied for the fourth-best in program history. (Courtesy of Dena Martz)

Huskies explode with team-record scoring in ‘meet of the year’

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 20, 2024
Junior Isabella Sissi performs her routine on the uneven parallel bars during Saturdays meet against Bowling Green State University at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio. NIU gymnastics is set to compete at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic on Friday. (Courtesy of Dena Martz)

Headin’ south: Huskies to battle Lindenwood, Fisk at Tennessee meet

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 18, 2024
An illustrated Bill Baker hangs up his headphones during his final radio call at Huskie Stadium. Baker has retired after 44 years of play-by-play radio broadcasting for NIU football and basketball. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Thank you, Bill Baker

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 15, 2024
Then-sophomore Emmalise Nock poses during her floor routine at an NIU gymnastics home meet on Feb. 17, 2023 at the Convocation Center. Nock tied for second place with NIU freshman Mikayla Brown on the floor exercise event to lead the Huskies to a victory over Bowling Green State University on Saturday. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Gymnastics grounds Falcons in MAC opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 14, 2024
Then-sophomore gymnast Isabella Sissi completes her floor performance at the Huskies’ Beauty and the Beast meet at the NIU Convocation Center on Feb. 4, 2023. Sissi and the Huskies are set to face Bowling Green State University on Saturday. (Cheyanne Quintanilla | Northern Star)

Gymnastics eyes bounceback at Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 13, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari poses during her beam routine in a home meet against Eastern Michigan University on Feb. 17, 2023. Al-Ashari placed fourth on beam at the Mizzou Invitational on Saturday. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Gymnastics ties for third at Mizzou Invitational

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 7, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari started her beam routine at the EMU gymnastics meet on Feb. 17. The Huskies kick off the 2024 season at the Missouri Quad Meet Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

‘In attack mode’: Gymnastics readies for trip to No. 12 Mizzou

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
January 5, 2024
NIU senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes attacks during the Huskies’ home conference match against Eastern Michigan University Oct. 13 at Victor E. Court. Dykes entered the transfer portal Sunday after starting 23 matches for NIU in 2023. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Volleyball’s Emily Dykes enters transfer portal

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
December 14, 2023
Senior guard Jayden Marable dribbles toward the hoop during NIU womens basketballs game against Lindenwood Nov. 21. The Huskies downed Detroit Mercy by a final score of 75-66 Sunday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Titanfall: Women’s basketball downs Detroit Mercy in return home

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
December 10, 2023

Men’s soccer signs 3 to 2024 roster

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
December 1, 2023
Junior libero Crew Hoffmeier serves the ball during a Nov. 11 match against Ball State University at John E. Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana. NIU volleyball finished its 2023 campaign with a final record of 8-22, a record that Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes doesnt define the team and its future. (Amber Pietz | Ball State Creative Services)

COLUMN: Volleyball played better than its record

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 30, 2023
NIU junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia poses with a camera during NIU volleyball’s media day on Aug. 7. Cerniglia has established herself as a media savant at NIU after nearly three years in DeKalb. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Meet Jada Rae, NIU volleyball’s media mogul

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 28, 2023
A graphic shows four new signees for NIU volleyball. On Friday, NIU volleyball announced four new additions to the Huskies roster for the 2024 season. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Volleyball inks 4 recruits to 2024 roster

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 18, 2023

Three men’s soccer seniors earn conference academic recognition

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 16, 2023
NIU senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes (12) and sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt (18) team up to block over the net against the University of Akron on Oct. 27. The Huskies ended their season with a 3-0 loss to Western Michigan on Wednesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball routed by Broncos in home finale

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 16, 2023
A graphic shows the logos of each Mid-American Conference school. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus jokingly discusses which MAC mascots he could defeat in hand-to-hand combat. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Fighting every MACscot

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 16, 2023
NIU senior setter Ella Mihacevich (15) jumps to serve the ball during NIU volleyballs match against the University of Akron on Oct. 27. The Huskies are preparing to close out their season against first-place Western Michigan on Wednesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball to finish season against regular season champs

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 15, 2023
Then-sophomore Emmalise Nock posing during her floor routine during the EMU gymnastics meet on Feb.17. The Huskies are gearing up to begin their 2023-2024 season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Back in routine: Gymnastics jumps into new season

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 14, 2023
Members of the NIU volleyball team huddle during Saturday’s road match at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. The Huskies fell in five sets to close out their road schedule. (Bobby Ellis | Ball State Athletics)

Volleyball drops road finale

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 11, 2023
Sophomore outside hitter Nazli Güvener (17), celebrates winning a point with teammate junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic (21), during Fridays match against the University of Toledo. The Huskies were eliminated from postseason contention after their 3-1 loss to Ball State on Friday. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Volleyball thwarted in 4 at Ball State

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 11, 2023
NIU graduate student right side hitter Isabelle Percoco hits the ball during a rally in the Oct. 27 match against the University of Akron. The Huskies fell in three sets as one of their seven consecutive defeats entering Friday’s series-opener against Ball State University. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball braces for Ball State battle

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 10, 2023
Freshman forward Tyra King dribbles the ball past a University at Buffalo defender. Kings high school teammate and six other recruits committed to play womens soccer at NIU on National Signing Day. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Women’s soccer adds 7 after National Signing Day

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 9, 2023
Kaci Luptak pinches the rope to keep Alpha Sigma Alpha from gaining the knot on Wednesday. Alpha Phi moves on to face Sigma Sigma Sigma. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Alpha Phi downs Alpha Sigma Alpha, advances to Tugs title match

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 9, 2023
NIU volleyball players celebrate after NIU junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo blocks the ball against the University of Akron on Oct. 27. The Huskies were swept by the Toledo Rockets on Saturday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Toledo spoils volleyball’s Senior Day

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 5, 2023
From left: NIU senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes (12), junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo (11) and sophomore outside hitter Nazli Güvener (17) look on during Friday’s match against the University of Toledo at Victor E. Court. The Huskies fell in four sets to the Rockets, extending their losing streak to six consecutive matches. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Huskies scorched by Rockets, lose sixth-straight

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 4, 2023
Sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt (18) jumps to spike the ball over the net against the University of Akron on Oct. 27. The Huskies are looking to snap a five-game losing streak against Toledo this weekend. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies to host Rockets in final home weekend

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 3, 2023
A cartoon illustrates former NIU football kicker Mathew Sims vibrant smile and pre-kick setup. Sims finished as NIUs second all-time leading scorer in school history and was known as a great teammate and friend. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Remembering NIU’s kicking hero

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
November 1, 2023
Junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic spikes a ball against the University at Buffalo on Saturday. The Huskies fell to the Bulls in four sets. (Sasha Norman | Northern Star)

Volleyball messes with Bulls, gets the horns

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 29, 2023
NIU defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia serves the ball during Friday’s MAC battle between the Huskies and the University of Akron Zips. NIU was undone in three sets to extend its losing streak to four matches. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball blanked by Akron in straight sets

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 28, 2023
From left: Junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia, senior setter Ella Mihacevich, junior libero Crew Hoffmeier, senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes, sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt and graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann rejoice after a rally in NIUs homecoming matchup with the Eastern Michigan University Eagles on Oct. 13 at Victor E. Court. The Huskies will host the University of Akron on Friday and the University at Buffalo on Saturday in hopes of remaining undefeated at Victor E. Court. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

Huskies to host Zips, Bulls in homestand

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 27, 2023
NIU graduate outside hitter Katie Erdmann serves the ball during the Huskies Oct. 13 match against Eastern Michigan University at Victor E. Court. Erdmann joined the Huskies for her final season of college volleyball this fall after spending the past four years playing at the University of Southern Mississippi and the Florida Institute of Technology. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

Third time’s the charm: Erdmann’s journey to NIU

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 25, 2023
Then-sophomore Isabella Sissi posing during her floor routine at the EMU gymnastics meet. Sissi scored 38.250 for her all-around performance in the meet. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Gymnastics releases 2024 schedule

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 23, 2023
NIU graduate right side hitter Isabelle Percoco (2) and sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt (18) attempt to block Central Michigan University junior outside hitter Lauren Schrocks (3) attack attempt during Saturdays meeting, featuring the conference-rivaling Huskies and Chippewas. Percoco led the Huskies efforts with 14 kills to match her career-high and assisted on three blocks in NIUs 3-1 loss. (Josie Ransley | CMU Athletics)

NIU suffers CMU series sweep, moves to three straight losses

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 21, 2023
From left: Graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior setter Sophie Hurt, junior libero Crew Hoffmeier, junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic, sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt and graduate student outside hitter Isabelle Percoco gather into a huddle during NIUs Oct. 13 matchup with the Eastern Michigan University Eagles at Victor E. Court. The Huskies suffered their second consecutive sweep in Fridays series-opener against Central Michigan University. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

Volleyball suffers sweep at Central Michigan

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 21, 2023
From left: Junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo, graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior setter Sophie Hurt, graduate student right side hitter Isabelle Percoco, junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic and sophomore middler blocker Savanah Brandt celebrate after a rally against Eastern Michigan University on Friday at Victor E. Court. The Huskies look to get back in the win column after falling short against Western Michigan University on Tuesday. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

Huskies to attempt bounce-back in Central Michigan

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 19, 2023
Graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann taps the ball over two Western Michigan University defenders. The Huskies were swept by the Broncos on Tuesday 3-0. (Courtesy WMU Athletics | Ashley Huss)

Huskies throttled by Broncos in MACtion duel

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 17, 2023
Junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo (11) serves a hit toward Eastern Michigan’s team on Thursday. Atiemo was named the MAC West Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. (Ariyonna McGahee | Northern Star)

Volleyball’s Atiemo named MAC West Defensive Player of the Week

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 16, 2023
NIU junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic (21) jumps in the air for an attack against Eastern Michigan University during Thursday’s match at Victor E. Court. The Huskies return to action Tuesday for a matchup with conference powerhouse Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Ariyonna McGahee | Northern Star)

Huskies eye upset of top-ranked Broncos

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 16, 2023
From left: Graduate outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior setter Sophie Hurt, junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo, graduate student outside hitter Isabelle Percoco, junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic and sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt switch sides after winning the second set of Sept. 30s volleyball match between NIU and Miami University at Victor E. Court. The Huskies defeated the RedHawks to complete a weekend sweep of Miami. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Huskies ground Eagles, complete Homecoming sweep

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 13, 2023
NIU women’s volleyball team waves to fans after Fridays match against Miami University (Ohio). The women’s volleyball team defeated Miami in three sets. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Volleyball defense dominates in NIU shutout of Eagles

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 13, 2023
The front page of the Oct. 19, 1998, print edition of the Northern Star shows the post-game celebration for NIU’s 91st Homecoming Game. Fans seized the goalposts at Huskie Stadium in the final seconds of a 16-6 win over Central Michigan University. (Northern Star Archive | Wade Duerkes)

Remembering HOCO ‘98: Dunking goalposts, snapping streaks

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 11, 2023
NIU graduate student right side hitter Isabelle Percoco leaps to make a play on the ball during the Huskies’ Sept. 29 against the Miami University RedHawks at Victor E. Court. NIU will return home for a pair of Homecoming match on Thursday and Friday against Eastern Michigan University. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Volleyball to host Eastern Michigan in Homecoming home stand

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 11, 2023
From left: Graduate outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior libero Crew Hoffmeier, junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic, junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo, senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes and senior setter Ella Mihacevich celebrate after a rally during a MAC volleyball match between the NIU Huskies and the Miami University RedHawks on Sept. 29 at Victor E. Court. NIU is looking to build on its newfound confidence after recent wins. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Volleyball finding its groove

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 10, 2023
Graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann serves during NIU volleyball’s home opener against Chicago State University on Aug. 25 in the NIU Convocation Center. Erdmann led the Huskies with 11 kills in a 3-0 sweep of Kent State University on Friday in Kent, Ohio. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Volleyball routs Golden Flashes, splits Ohio road trip

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 6, 2023
Both teams gather as Northern Illinois University scores the point at The Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio, on Oct. 5, 2023. Photo provided by The Post (Joe Hallquist) October 5, 2023.

Streak snapped: Volleyball falls in 4 to Ohio

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 5, 2023
Sophomore Iker Gaztambide Arrastia hits a forehand during his singles match on April 7 at DeKalb High School. Gaztambide Arrastia was one of four Huskies that competed in the ITA All-American Championships. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Vollbach nets pair of wins at ITA All-American Championships

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 5, 2023
From left: Junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic, sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt and graduate right side hitter Isabelle Percoco react at the end of a rally during the Huskies’ season-opener versus the Chicago State University Cougars. The Huskies are set to play two matches in Ohio to continue MAC play. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Huskies head east for Buckeye State battles

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 3, 2023
NIU volleyball embraces Anya Hopkins as one of their own teammates. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus highlights Hopkins time as an honorary member of the NIU volleyball team. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Chicagoland teen brings new purpose to NIU volleyball

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
October 1, 2023
From left: Graduate outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior setter Sophie Hurt, junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo, graduate student outside hitter Isabelle Percoco, junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic and sophomore middle blocker Savanah Brandt switch sides after winning the second set of Saturdays volleyball match between NIU and Miami University at Victor E. Court. The Huskies defeated the RedHawks to complete a weekend sweep of Miami. (Josephine Dunmore | Northern Star)

Volleyball routs Miami, moves to 3-games unbeaten

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 30, 2023
Junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic rises up to spike a ball against Miami University at Victor E. Court. The Huskies defeated the RedHawks 3-2 on Friday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Huskies ground RedHawks for first home win

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 30, 2023
Junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo serves the ball during NIU’s season-opener against the Chicago State University Cougars on Aug. 25 at the NIU Convocation Center. The Huskies are set to play in Victor E. Court for the first time this season Friday against the Miami University RedHawks. (Courtesy NIU Athletics)

Huskies to host RedHawks in MAC home opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 28, 2023
BioSteel water bottles sit lined up on the board. BioSteel announced its intention file for Chapter 15 bankruptcy to preserve their U.S.-based assets. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sports drink BioSteel files for bankruptcy

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 28, 2023
Junior libero Crew Hoffmeier (1) celebrates after a rally during NIUs home volleyball match against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on Aug. 26 at the NIU Convocation Center. Hoffmeier is in her first season as NIUs starting libero and has produced dig averages that rank among the best in the MAC and the nation. (Courtesy NIU Athletics)

Hoffmeier igniting NIU’s fire

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 26, 2023
NIU graduate student right side hitter Isabelle Percoco celebrates after a rally in the Huskies’ season-opener against Chicago State University on Aug. 25 at the NIU Convocation Center. NIU split its recent away series against Bowling Green State University on Thursday and Friday to begin MAC play at .500. (Courtesy NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Volleyball may have found its spark

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 25, 2023
Freshman forward Tyra King (5) heads the ball toward sophomore defender Angelina Briggs (9) and senior defender Abby Adams during the Huskies Sunday game against Toledo. On Sunday, the Huskies tied with Toledo 1-1. (Melody Elbel | Northern Star)

Huskies knot Toledo behind late Thompson goal

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 24, 2023
NIU graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann serves the ball during NIUs Sept. 15 match against the University of Dayton Flyers at the UNI Tournament. Erdmann recorded a double-double in both of the Huskies matches against Bowling Green State University on Thursday and Friday. (Logan Colglaizer | UNI Athletics)

Huskies survive 5-set firefight in Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 23, 2023
Graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior libero Crew Hoffmeier, junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo, sophomore defensive specialist Olivia Hogan, junior defensive specialist Jada Cerniglia and senior setter Ella Mihacevich celebrate after a rally during Friday’s season-opening match against Chicago State University at the NIU Convocation Center. The Huskies were defeated 3-2. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Volleyball falls in four to Falcons

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 22, 2023
Junior libero Crew Hoffmeier recording a dig against Chicago State University on Aug. 26. The Huskies were defeated by the Cougars 3-2. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

NIU to begin MAC play at Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 20, 2023
NIU junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia serves the ball during a Sept. 8 match against DePaul University during the DePaul Invitational at McGrath-Phillips Arena in Chicago. Cerniglia has nine service aces on the 2023 season, tied for second place on the Huskies. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: In defense of NIU volleyball

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 19, 2023
`NIU junior libero Crew Hoffmeier digs a ball during the Huskies’ Aug. 25 match against Chicago State University at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Hoffmeier was named the Week 4 MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after a 47-dig effort at the UNI Tournament. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Hoffmeier pockets MAC weekly honors

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter
September 18, 2023
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The Northern Star is the student-produced, independent media at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. The Northern Star covers NIU campus news, DeKalb news, NIU Huskie sports and northern Illinois entertainment.

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The Northern Star is the student-produced, independent media at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. The Northern Star covers NIU campus news, DeKalb news, NIU Huskie sports and northern Illinois entertainment.

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