Natalie Bearbower, a 5'11" small forward, played a pivotal role in the early days of the Illinois Game Time girls team. A standout at Plainfield North High School, she excelled on both offense and defense, becoming one of the leading scorers for Game Time from 2016 to 2018. Her exceptional talent and dedication helped pave the way for future players. Committed to Wartburg College, Natalie joined a program with an impressive track record, boasting 11 conference championships, 17 NCAA tournament appearances, 7 Elite Eight finishes, and 3 trips to the NCAA Final Four. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on both her teams and the sport.

Jada Wilmington was a 6'2" athletic and intelligent center from Naperville North, who made a significant impact while playing for the Illinois Game Time Elite team, dominating the paint on both ends of the court. She initially committed to Governors State University, where she played for two years before transferring to Central Arkansas. Recently, Jada, an alumnus of IGT 2020, was honored with the prestigious 2023 IGT Excellence Award for her outstanding performance in academics and community activities. Despite facing a recent health challenge that required her to step away from basketball, Jada's unwavering determination has led her to focus on achieving academic excellence. Her inspiring journey highlights the power of resilience and perseverance, proving that with dedication, one can overcome obstacles and reach great heights.

Tim Ward was a standout 6'5" guard from Plainfield South High School, celebrated for his exceptional athleticism and academic achievements. He played for the Illinois Game Time Elite team, where he honed his skills and showcased his talent on a competitive level. After an impactful stint at Lewis University, Tim has recently transferred to Lakeland University, where he plans to continue his basketball career while maintaining his commitment to academic excellence. His dedication to both sports and education highlights him as a remarkable student-athlete.

Millicent Ghapson, a former 5'7" point guard from Plainfield North, has left an enduring legacy through her exceptional athleticism, dedication, and love for the game. Known for her agility, leadership, and basketball IQ, Millie was a standout player for the Illinois Game Time team, contributing to numerous victories and championships. Her ability to control the game, distribute the ball, and inspire her teammates set her apart as a player who consistently delivered when it mattered most. However, Millie’s talents went beyond basketball. Her passion for athletics extended to track and field, where she truly thrived. As a high jumper specialist and 200-yard sprinter, Millie’s dedication to the sport was evident in every race and jump. Her constant drive to improve, combined with her discipline and determination, fueled her success on the track. Her love for sports and commitment to academic growth led Millie to Roosevelt University, where she continues her journey as both a student and athlete. Majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice, Millie is shaping a future full of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Her academic and athletic pursuits reflect her desire to excel in every area of her life while building a career focused on understanding people and contributing to her community. Millicent Ghapson’s story is one of relentless ambition, dedication, and the belief that hard work knows no bounds. Whether she’s orchestrating a game-winning play on the basketball court, sprinting down the track, or excelling in her studies, Millie continues to prove that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. With a bright future ahead, Millie is sure to inspire others to chase their dreams and approach every challenge with purpose and determination.

James "JT" Theriault, a standout 5'8" shooting guard from Hinsdale Central High School, has been a key player for Illinois Game Time, helping lead the team to multiple championships with his exceptional sharpshooting and relentless work ethic. His contributions on the court have been nothing short of remarkable. Off the court, JT excels as both a top-tier student and a talented tennis player, showcasing his versatility and dedication to success. Committed to Northern Illinois University, JT will continue to pursue his passion for tennis and major in Sports Management. His bright future is a reflection of his drive, leadership, and commitment to excellence in all areas of his life.

Barry King was an exceptionally skilled big man who played a pivotal role as an original member of the 2016 team. Known for his towering presence on the court, he was often one of the tallest players, dominating both the paint and the defense with his shot-blocking abilities. Outside of basketball, Barry was an outstanding student at Oswego High School, where he discovered his passion for tennis. He played three seasons of tennis, earning recognition as a three-time all-conference selection. Barry was a sectional champion at No. 1 singles in both 2022 and 2023, and he was league singles runner-up as a junior, finishing third in his senior year. He also claimed the 2021 conference No. 1 doubles runner-up title. As a key member of the 2022-2023 conference championship team, Barry committed to continuing both his academic and tennis journey at Cedarville University, where he will major in computer science.

Maggie Schwerha, a 5'7" shooting guard, graduated in 2023 from Lincoln Way West High School, where she established herself as a standout athlete and a key contributor to her team's success. A versatile and hard-working player, Maggie played an instrumental role in helping the Illinois Game Time National Team secure its first-ever national title at the Nike Tournament of Champions. Her leadership on the court, paired with her exceptional skills, made Maggie an invaluable asset to the team. Known for her sharp shooting and tenacious defense, Maggie was the type of player who always put the team first. She thrived in clutch moments and was fully committed to doing whatever it took to secure victories. Her selfless approach and unwavering focus on team success made everyone around her better, and her contributions were vital to the team’s championship run. Off the court, Maggie’s dedication extended to her academics. Now attending the University of Iowa, Maggie is majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Her ability to balance the demands of a challenging academic program with the same discipline and perseverance she demonstrated on the basketball court is a testament to her determination. Maggie's journey, from a hard-working high school athlete to a college student excelling in a rigorous field, serves as a model of commitment and passion. We are proud to have had Maggie on our team and look forward to her continued success as she pursues both her academic and personal goals.

Mekhi Lowery is an impressive 6'7" guard/forward who has made a significant impact on the basketball court, both while playing for the Illinois Game Time Elite team and during his high school career at Oswego East. Known for his exceptional versatility, Lowery has the ability to excel in multiple positions, making him a valuable asset. His skills on both offense and defense have allowed him to dominate games, showcasing a well-rounded game that includes strong shooting, effective ball-handling, and solid defensive capabilities. Throughout his time with Illinois Game Time Elite, Lowery consistently demonstrated his athleticism and basketball IQ, earning recognition as one of the top prospects in his class being a nominee for the 2023 McDonalds All-American game. His high school performances at Oswego East further solidified his reputation, as he led his team with impressive stats and contributed to their success on the court. Mekhi's commitment to Towson University marks an exciting new chapter in his basketball journey. At Towson, he is expected to further develop his skills and continue to grow as a player, making a significant impact in collegiate basketball. With his talent and determination, Lowery is poised for a bright future in the sport.

Mimi Gallegos, a 5'3" point guard from Plainfield Central High School, has made her mark as a standout player for the Illinois Game Time National and Elite teams. Known for her exceptional playmaking and tenacious defense, Mimi has consistently demonstrated her skills on the court. Currently committed to Principia College, she has been a significant contributor to her team’s success. Mimi is pursuing a degree in Political Science with the goal of becoming a lawyer, aiming to leverage her education to make a positive impact in the legal field.

Rachael Noren, a 5’9” shooting guard, is a rare talent whose athletic accomplishments and academic achievements have made her a standout both on and off the court. As a key player for Illinois Game Time, Rachael’s competitiveness and athletic ability were vital in securing the team’s championship victories. Her leadership and drive set the tone for her teammates, inspiring others to elevate their games to the same level of excellence she consistently demonstrated. But Rachael’s impact wasn’t confined to basketball alone. A talented soccer player at Naperville North High School, Rachael excelled in both sports. She made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting on the JV soccer team and earning the MVP award for her standout performance. By her sophomore year, she was promoted to varsity and went on to start as a key player throughout her junior and senior years. In her senior season, she was named All-Conference and earned Honorable Mention for the All-Area Team, capping an exceptional high school career.In basketball, Rachael's journey was just as impressive. Starting as a freshman, she made the varsity squad as a sophomore and became a central figure on the team. Her contributions helped guide Illinois Game Time to multiple championships, cementing her place as a top-tier player in the program. With her commitment to both basketball and soccer, Rachael became a rare two-sport varsity athlete, excelling in both sports with remarkable consistency.Rachael’s success continued beyond high school when she committed to attend Michigan State University. There, she not only continued her athletic career but also excelled academically where she is majoring in Kinesiology. A 4.0 GPA student, Rachael’s dedication to her studies mirrors her commitment to athletics. She has proven that excellence doesn’t only apply to sports but to her academic pursuits as well, setting a high standard for herself and those around her. On the soccer field, Rachael joined Michigan State’s club team, where over 50 athletes tried out for only 4 spots. Rachael was one of just two freshmen to make the travel roster, and the team went on to compete at Nationals with an undefeated season, further showcasing Rachael's ability to rise to the occasion. Rachael Noren’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. As a dual-sport athlete, she has shown that hard work, determination, and passion can drive success in multiple arenas. Whether on the basketball court, soccer field, or in the classroom, Rachael continues to set a remarkable example of what it means to excel at the highest level.

Hope Sebek, an inspiring alumna of Illinois Game Time, is a 5'7" shooting and point guard from Downers Grove North High School. Celebrated as one of the most formidable guards to wear a Game Time jersey, she played a key role in leading her high school team to numerous victories and regional titles. As an exceptional floor general, Hope showcased her ability to score, assist, and elevate her teammates on both ends of the court. During her time with Illinois Game Time, she was pivotal in national and elite teams, helping them secure multiple championships. With offers to play college basketball, Hope has chosen to attend Iowa University, where she plans to focus on her major in communications and marketing. Her determination and drive set her apart as a remarkable talent, and she’s poised to make a significant impact in her future career. Keep an eye on Hope—she’s destined for greatness!

James Parker, a 5'7" guard, was a standout player on the original Illinois Game Time team in 2016. Renowned for his skill and leadership, James played a crucial role in leading the Metea Valley High School team to many victories. His contributions to Illinois Game Time were equally impactful, helping secure multiple championships and elevating the performance of his teammates. With his high basketball IQ, strong work ethic, and ability to inspire those around him, James became a formidable presence on the court. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, James was also an exceptional student, successfully balancing academics and sports. Following his time with Illinois Game Time, James committed to Waubonsee Community College, where he will play for two years to continue advancing his basketball career while furthering his education.

Kaitlyn Parker is a talented 5'9" combo guard from Downers Grove North High School, renowned for her significant contributions to the Illinois Game Time National and Elite teams over nearly three years. Her exceptional skills have played a pivotal role in securing multiple championships for her teams. Known for her precise three-point shooting and ability to set up teammates for assists, Kaitlyn has established herself as a standout player. Her strong performance on the court reflects her dedication and impact in every game. Kaitlyn has committed to Roosevelt University, where she plans to continue her basketball journey and academic pursuits.

Emily Gabrelcik, the 5'7" shooting guard a standout from Romeoville High School, is not only a rising star in the nursing field but also a remarkable athlete. Known for her exceptional skills and competitive spirit, Emily has made a significant impact on the basketball court, helping her team achieve numerous victories, including back-to-back Nike Tournament of Champions titles with the Illinois Game Time national team. Off the court, Emily shines academically and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in healthcare. With multiple offers to play college basketball, she has chosen to attend Aurora University to pursue her Nursing degree. Emily’s relentless determination and compassion position her to excel in her nursing career. Keep an eye on this inspiring young woman as she embarks on her journey to transform lives in the healthcare field!

Kaelyn Stager, a standout 5'9" shooting guard, was one of the most dedicated and hardworking players in the nine-year history of Illinois Game Time. From 9th through 12th grade, Kaelyn made IGT her basketball home, consistently pushing herself to grow as a player. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to improvement earned her a spot on both our National and Elite teams. Kaelyn’s determination and skill were pivotal in helping our National team secure its first-ever Nike Tournament of Champions title, capped by her clutch buzzer-beater basket in the final moments—a play that truly showcased her ability to perform under pressure. Off the court, Kaelyn’s academic excellence matched her athletic achievements. Her dedication to both her studies and her sport earned her a full-ride academic scholarship to Webster University, where she will continue to excel both in the classroom and on the court. Her legacy with IGT will always be remembered, and we’re excited to see her future unfold at Webster University.

Sydni’s legacy as a 5'8" point guard for the Illinois Game Time Elite team is nothing short of legendary. Known for her explosive athletic ability, she dominated the courts, leading the team to countless victories and championships with her exceptional court vision, leadership, and relentless drive. 🏀 Her ability to control the game and make big plays when it mattered most made her an invaluable asset and a player everyone feared to face. But Sydni’s greatness wasn’t confined to just basketball. She was also a standout student-athlete with a 3.95 GPA, balancing academic excellence with her intense athletic pursuits. 📚 Her mental toughness and dedication to being the best in everything she did set her apart and earned her respect both in the classroom and on the court. Off the court, Sydni’s athleticism translated seamlessly to soccer, where she shined as a key player for Chicago Inter and was a 2x starter for the Illinois State ODP (Olympic Development Program) Team. ⚽ A true competitor, she helped lead her teams to numerous championships, including a 2x Illinois State Cup Champion, 2022 USYS Midwest Regional Champion, and the 2023 ECNL Regional League Central Regional Champion. Her versatility and ability to excel in multiple sports speaks volumes about her athleticism, grit, and determination. Now, we are beyond proud to announce that Sydni will be continuing her journey at the University of Kentucky, where she will take her athletic and academic careers to the next level. 🐎 She will undoubtedly continue to shine both on the soccer field and in the classroom, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things she’ll achieve in the future. Sydni, you’ve set the bar high for all future athletes, and your legacy will forever inspire the next generation of Illinois Game Time players. We’re so proud of all your accomplishments and can’t wait to watch you shine at Kentucky and beyond! 🌟