By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer

Just beginning her journey at Governors State University (GovState), freshman Sophia Flowers is breaking records in her collegiate track season.

Recently, Sophia competed in her first outdoor 10K race, finishing with a time of 36:19 and breaking the previous school record. This achievement is meaningful to Sophia, who sees it as a mark of her growth.

“It reflects the hard work that I have put into each practice, so it was really satisfying to see that dedication pay off!” said Sophia. “I never thought that I would ever achieve such a thing and so quickly too, so it was a very special moment for me.”

Her record-breaking race qualified her for National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Nationals with her set to compete in the 10K at Asheville, North Carolina on May 21. Thinking back on her race, Sophia is thankful for her teammates and coaches.

“Just seeing how much I have improved with both my mental toughness and fitness level at GovState is truly incredible to me! I could never have done it without the support of my coaches and teammates,” said Sophia, who noted that her high school cross country coach was there to celebrate with her, too.

GovState Head Men's and Women's Track Coach John Niendorf said the Jaguars coaching staff are proud of Sophia.

“The 10K is one of the most mentally taxing races a competitor can do on the track, and she remained poised throughout the event, despite being a freshman who had never competed in this race before,” said Coach Niendorf. “Hitting a National mark on your first outdoor race is incredible and she made the entire team, coaching staff, and school proud today.”

Sophia added that GovState has helped her grow as an athlete and student.

“Being part of a developing program with supportive coaches and teammates has been incredibly rewarding, while also building discipline and resilience in and out of the classroom.”

She's also enjoying being a part of a team. “It has been especially exciting to see my teammates and I improve each day! Watching everyone on my team motivate one another is definitely a huge factor that contributed to my positive experience and overall success,” said Sophia.

In addition to her record-breaking race, Sophia's accolades include being named Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Track Athlete of the Week twice this spring. As her running career at GovState is just beginning, Sophia is looking forward to what's next.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of the school, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings!” said Sophia.

For more updates on GovState Athletics, visit their webpage.

Photos by Zhamarr Thompkins, GovState Athletics

With three weeks remaining in the regular season, Governors State University’s (GovState) Men’s Basketball team is in first place in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) standings.

Jaguars Head Men’s Basketball Coach/Athletic Director Tony Bates said the latest standings put the 2025-26 Jaguars in prime first place position to earn GovState’s first CCAC Conference men’s title since the 2017-18 championship season.

GovState is 11-3 in CCAC games entering the February 4 home game against Indiana University Northwest. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. in the ARC.

The Jaguars have six regular season games remaining before the CCAC post-season tournament begins with a home playoff game for GovState on February 25 in the ARC. Time and opponent to be announced.

2025-26 Men’s Basketball Standings as of Jan. 28 game:

Conference

Team                                                  Record

Governors State                              10-3

St. Francis                                         9-4

Indiana South Bend (IN)                   9-4 

Olivet Nazarene (IL)                          9-4

Trinity Christian (IL)                         8-5

Calumet (IN)                                      6-7

St. Ambrose (IA)                               6-7

Indiana Northwest                            6-7

Saint Xavier (IL)                                6-7

Holy Cross                                        4-9

Viterbo                                               4-9

Judson (IL)                                       1-12

For more detailed stats and conference standings, click here.

Click here to visit GovState’s Athletics page for updates as they happen.

By GovState Athletics Department 

Edited by Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer

For the first time in the program's history, Governors State University's (GovState) Women's Cross Country team qualifies for NAIA Nationals. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championship meet will be held on November 21 in Tallahassee, Florida.

GovState Head Coach for the men's and women's cross country teams, John Niendorf, said this accomplishment has been years in the making.

“Years of hard work finally paying off for these extraordinary young women! They finally achieved their goal this season and are heading off to Nationals in Tallahassee, Florida,” said Coach Niendorf (pictured far right). “I couldn't be prouder to coach these athletes, and they have made this season a true blessing for us as coaches.”

Expressing his pride in the team, Coach Niendorf commended the team's work ethic and extended gratitude to all supporters.

“They put in all the work and earned the right to be here. The toughness these women showed at conference last Friday to punch their ticket to Tallahassee is truly inspiring to our staff,” said Coach Niendorf. “This is an incredible moment in our program's history. Thank you to everyone for being there with us when we were finishing last in the conference to now.”

Click here to read GovState Athletics full announcement.

From GovState Athletics Department

Kicking off its 11th year, Governors State University (GovState) Athletics celebrated its Jaguar student athletes with a welcome from University leadership, including the new president Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.

GovState President Ester led a panel of University departments and campus leaders to welcome over 300 Jaguar athletes at Athletics' annual Success Kickoff.

This year's event also celebrated the past three years of competition in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC)—all record-setting years for GovState Athletics. Some highlights include Coach Tonishea Mack being recognized as CCAC Coach of the Year two years in a row and women's basketball becoming CCAC regular season and tournament champions.

Click here to read more about the Success Kickoff. Click here to see a full list of honorees and championships from GovState's last three athletic seasons.

From Athletics Staff Reports

Just in time for the 2025-26 school year, Governors State University (GovState) Athletics Department completed construction on the new Esports “Arena” ahead of the program’s first season.

Head Esports Coach Kareem Badr is looking forward to Jaguars filling this new space with their energy.

"The Governors State University Esports Arena is the heart of our competitive gaming program and a hub for student engagement,” said Badr. “Our facility features both a competitive room and a practice room, giving our players the space to train and compete in titles like VALORANT, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”

As Coach Badr builds the esports coed team roster, he wants to foster a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. He also plans to focus on team cohesion, skill development, and creating a positive team culture that promotes growth for all—things that the “Arena” space will reflect.

“What makes our arena special is that it isn't just about high-performance PCs and top-tier competition—it's a community space,” said Badr. “Our upcoming 'Echoes of Greatness' initiative will fill the arena with our program's history, achievements, and player highlights, creating an environment that inspires every student who walks through our doors. This arena represents the growth of esports at GovState and our commitment to building a competitive yet inclusive program.”

GovState will be competing with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national power Esports programs in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Conference.

Click here to keep up with the Esports team as they begin their season at GovState.

Click here to learn more about the Esports team beginnings and Head Coach Badr.

From Staff Reports

Governors State University's (GovState) women's basketball team had a record-setting season, making it to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Nationals Round of 8!

The team marked history for GovState, driving excitement across campus and thrilling some members of cabinet as the women's basketball team was the first GovState team to make it to the final eight at Nationals in the 10 years of sports at the University.

Interim President Corey Bradford and other members of cabinet drove all the way to Iowa to cheer on the so-called great eight: Da'Naria Washington (03), Kalvina Eubanks (04), Zareia Chevre (10), Cencere McDaniel (12), Tabetha Jones (20), Izzy Agredano (00), Alayah Sprattling (05), and Louisa Schmidt (23).

“I was living my hoop dreams through them as a fan and admirer," said Dr. Bradford. "It was important for us to show our students that they are supported by me and the administration, with several others in attendance.”

Keep an eye on the athletics page for details on an upcoming celebration for Coach Tonishea Mack and the team.

Click here for more on the Round of 8 game.

Click here to read more on the Jaguars' record-breaking season and what's to come.

From Staff Reports

Three players on Governors State University's (GovState) Women's Basketball team hit a milestone of 1,000 career points this season.

Graduate student Tabetha Jones and seniors Zareia Chevre and Da'Naria Washington all hit 1,000 career points this season. Zareia was the latest to reach this mark, making her GovState's sixth all-time 1,000 point scorer.

Recently, Tabetha and Zareia were named to the First-Team All-CCAC honors squad and Da'Naria earned an honorable mention award.

Click here to read more.

From Staff Reports

The Governors State University (GovState) women’s bowling team recently finished third at the MSC Thomas Burris Memorial Tournament, the highest tourney finish in the program’s two-year history. 

The one-day tournament was a record-setting one for the Jaguars. The team was led by sophomore Cameryn Landers, who averaged 228.5, setting the four-game school record and setting the record for highest average in an event.

Freshman Jenna Ritchie helped lead the Jaguars to third, having finished eighth individually averaging 222, with a high game of 237. 

“The girls work extremely hard together and continue to show growth week after week,” said Head Coach Melanie McDaniel. “They are really making their mark in the collegiate bowling world, and I couldn’t be prouder of them!”

The team is currently ranked 18^th in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ (NAIA) women’s bowling top 25 rankings. 

Click here for more details on the latest women’s bowling tournament. Click here to keep up with all the news on women’s bowling as they compete.