Softball: Mat Mundell

UIS named Mat Mundell has as the head softball coach on June 8, 2009..

Mundell had spent the 2009 and 201 season as the interim coach.

“Mat did a tremendous job dealing with a very difficult situation this spring. He kept our players focused and working to improve each and every day of the season and that was evident in the team’s strong finish," UIS Athletic Director Dr. Rodger Jehlicka said. "Mat is also very familiar with the UIS community and is working extremely hard to keep our softball program on the upward plane as we move into NCAA Division II.”

Mundell took over in the Prairie Star dugout this past March and guided the program through the remainder of the season.  UIS finished the campaign on an upswing, winning three of its last four contests.  Individually, Brianne Moeller was named first team All-American Midwest Conference while Nicole McAfee was an honorable mention selection. Those two, along with five other Prairie Stars, were honored by the league on the All-Academic team. Four players – Jessica Tittsworth, Kristan Delfeld, Moeller and McAfee were also honored on the NAIA Scholar-Athlete team.

Mundell has also worked with the UIS men's basketball program where he helped teach and instruct players during practice, individual workouts and games.  His key responsibilities included working with the Prairie Star centers and power forwards during practice and games.  He also assists with scouting and creating a game plan based on opposing teams.

Mundell graduated from Eureka College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Art. He participated in football for one year and in tennis for three years while at Eureka College. In his senior year, Mat was a No. 3 doubles champion and finished 2nd playing No. 6 singles.  His regular season conference record for doubles was a perfect 5-0.  His regular season conference record for singles was also a perfect 5-0.  He was named to the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference All Conference Team.

A Normal Community High School graduate, Mundell participated in baseball, basketball, football and tennis and was a product of the American Legion baseball program. After his baseball career concluded, Mundell played 13 years of competitive softball.

Mundell was elected to the Eureka College Athletic Hall of Fame last fall in his first year of eligibility.