UIS Senior Earns All-American Honors with Program Record at NCAA DII Championships

Madelyn Miller-Ross finishes sixth in the 5,000 meters to become the first First Team All-American in UIS women's track & field history.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:59am

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UIS senior distance runner Madelyn Miller-Ross competed at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships in Virginia Beach, delivering a record-setting performance in the 5,000 meters. Miller-Ross finished sixth with a program-record time of 16:22.49 to earn First Team All-American honors, marking the second All-America finish of her career.

Why it matters

This achievement represents a long-held goal for Miller-Ross since arriving at UIS, and she becomes the first First Team All-American in the history of the UIS women's track & field program. The performance caps an outstanding indoor season for Miller-Ross, who also won a GLVC title in the 3,000 meters.

The details

Miller-Ross quickly attached herself to the lead pack early in the 5,000-meter race and ran alongside the top six runners for much of the competition. She maintained contact with some of the best distance runners in the nation, including the 2025 outdoor national champion in the 5,000 meters. While the winner crossed the line in 15:58, the spread from second place through eighth was just eight seconds. Miller-Ross maintained a steady pace throughout the race and closed strong over the final laps to secure sixth place and score three points for UIS.

  • Miller-Ross competed at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • Miller-Ross finished sixth in the 5,000 meters with a program-record time of 16:22.49.

The players

Madelyn Miller-Ross

A senior distance runner at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) who earned First Team All-American honors in the 5,000 meters at the 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Emmons King

The head coach of the UIS women's track & field team, who expressed pride in Miller-Ross's accomplishment and the hard work she put in to achieve it.

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What they’re saying

“Maddie becoming a First Team All-American for the first time was truly special to watch. This is a testament to all of the hard work she has put in over the course of her career. This semester has been difficult with her student teaching, working out on the treadmill alone and running after work, but that hard work made her enjoy the moment that much more. I couldn't be more proud of the woman she has become, and she is so deserving of the result she achieved today.”

— Emmons King, Head Coach, UIS Women's Track & Field

“Achieving this feat is something that I have dreamt of ever since I stepped on the UIS campus. I knew it was going to be difficult and that it would take everything I had, but I was okay with that. Standing on the podium tonight with an All-American trophy in my hands makes all the sacrifices I've made beyond worth it. That little girl who picked up a pair of running shoes and hopped on Grandpa's treadmill never would have thought this would have been possible – I know she would be so proud of what she became.”

— Madelyn Miller-Ross

What’s next

The NCAA Championships performance caps an outstanding indoor season for Miller-Ross, and the Prairie Stars will now turn their attention to the outdoor season, which begins later this month.

The takeaway

Miller-Ross's achievement of becoming the first First Team All-American in UIS women's track & field history is a testament to her hard work and dedication over the course of her college career. Her record-setting performance in the 5,000 meters at the NCAA Division II Championships showcases the talent and determination of this UIS senior, who has overcome challenges this semester to reach new heights in her sport.