Heather Gradishar, a left-handed pitcher, will join the Prairie Stars at the University of Illinois Springfield.  Gradishar helped the Lady Cavaliers to a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament last year. She earned first team All-Region and was named to the All-Tournament team at the national championship. As a prep, Gradishar was a standout at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, Ill. A three-time All-Conference pick, she also earned All-Area accolades twice and was the North Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year as a senior.

“We are excited and honored to get a pitcher of Heather's caliber at UIS,” Mundell said. “Heather comes from one of the top junior college programs in the nation and is a complete pitcher who understands how to pitch.  She has a real high softball IQ and her demeanor really sets her apart from other pitchers. She will be an immediate help in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.”

Gradishar will be teamed with current UIS catcher Brittany Morgan