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[Pages:25]2017

SOCCER

2017 ILLINOIS SOCCER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Head Coach Janet Rayfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Rayfield's Illini Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Associate Head Coach Jeff Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Assistant Coach Nick Stirrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Support Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2017 Season Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Numerical and Alphabetical Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

FIGHTING ILLINI QUICK FACTS

LocationUrbana-Champaign Enrollment 44,542 NicknameFighting Illini ColorsOrange and Blue Conference Big Ten President Timothy L. Killeen Chancellor Dr. Robert J. Jones Athletic Director Josh Whitman Home Field Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium Seating Capacity2,000

Head CoachJanet Rayfield Years at Illinois 16th Season Years Overall22nd Season Alma Mater North Carolina '83 Record at Illinois 177-114-32 (.619) Overall Record 216-167-37 (.556)

2016 Overall Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11-2 2016 Big Ten Record/Finish3-6-2/11th Postseason Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A Letterwinners Returning/Lost11/11 Starters Returning/Lost4/7 Newcomers 10

First Year of Soccer1997 Soccer Seasons All-Time21st season in 2017 All-Time Overall Record 234-156-35 (.617) All-Time Conference Record 99-85-22 (.564) Big Ten Tournament Titles2 (2003 & 2011)

NCAATournament Appearances12 All-Time NCAA Tournament Record 11-12-3 Best NCAA Tournament Finish Elite Eight (2004) Last NCAA Tournament FinishSweet Sixteen (2013)

Assistant Coaches (Alma Mater), Experience Jeff Freeman (Missouri State, `99), 7th Nick Stirrett (Augustana, `06), 2nd Strength & Conditioning . . . . . . . Zach Boone (West Virginia, '11) , 3rd

Soccer Address 1700 South Fourth Street Champaign, IL 61820 Soccer Phone 217-244-9720 Soccer Fax217-244-9759

ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Soccer Contact Jenny Dewar E-mail Address jdewar2@illinois.edu

Office Phone 217-300-1148 Cell Phone 847-567-2487 Associate Athletics Director, Athletic CommunicationsKent Brown Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications Derrick Burson Associate Director of Athletic CommunicationsDerek Neal Assistant Directors of Athletic CommunicationsBrett Moore, Libby Knight Graduate Assistants/InternsChad Beyler, Grace Duggan, Kevin Cole Creative Design/New MediaAdam Marantz, Eddie Diazmu?oz, Trevor Diedrich Office ManagerJen Fisher Office Phone 217-333-1391 Facebook IlliniSoccer Twitter IlliniSoccer Instagram IlliniSoccer Mailing Address Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building 1700 South Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820

Team Bios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-24 Sami Sample // Elizabeth Cablk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Katherine Ratz // Alicia Barker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sarah Warren // Madi Wolfbauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Katie Le // Sabryn Kapp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Caroline Ratz // Lauren Ciesla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Hope Breslin // Patricia George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Gabbi Chapa // Haley Singer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Kelly Maday // Emily Osoba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Morgan Maroney // Jayna Fittipaldo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Kara Marbury // Lexi Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Olivia Scmitt // Arianna Veland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Lauren Smitherman // Darci Dietrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Katie Murray // Maggie Hillman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Taylor Haynes // Jaelyn Cunningham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2016 Season in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-34 2016 Final Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26 2016 Overall and Big Ten Stats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-28 2016 Box Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-33 Big Ten Standings and Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Fighting Illini Team History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-60 Individual Overall Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-37 Individual Big Ten-Only Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Team Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-40 Miscellaneous Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Individual/Miscellaneous Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-47 Illini NCAA Tournament History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-49 All-Time Big Ten Standings/ Big Ten Tournament Records . . . . . 50 All-Time Series Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-54 All-Time Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55-57 All-Time Letterwinners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Players by Uniform Number in Illinois History . . . . . . . . . . . . 59-60

Media Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Radio/TV Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

2017 ILLINOIS SOCCER RECORD BOOK // 1

FACILITIES

ILLINOIS SOCCER AND TRACK STADIUM

The Fighting Illini are entering their 19th season at the beautiful Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium. The Orange and Blue competed at the First and Stadium Multiplex during the 1997 and 1998 seasons before moving to the renovated stadium - which includes the outdoor track and field facilities - in 1999.

The Illini have been dominant at home since moving into the Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium, compiling an overall record of 139-47-9. Since its opening, the stadium has featured one undefeated record (2004), six one-loss seasons (2005-08, 2010-11) and three two-loss years (2012-13-15). In 2007, the Orange and Blue shut out a school-record seven consecutive opponents at the Illinois Soccer Stadium from Sept. 2 through Oct. 19, compiling 674 consecutive shutout minutes.

In 2011, the Illini emerged victorious over nine teams at home, the second most in the program's history. The Orange and Blue outscored their opponents 25-10. Their home wins over Indiana and Purdue at the beginning of October jumpstarted the Illini to a program best 12-game undefeated stretch, which culminated with a 1-0 win over Notre Dame in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at the Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium. Head coach Janet Rayfield has now established an .775 winning percentage at home in her career as a Fighting Illini.

The 2006 season saw the Illini put together a 7-1-0 home record with five shutouts and a new season attendance record of 7,261 fans. On Oct. 1, No. 15 Illinois took down No. 9 Penn State, 3-2, in front of a school-record 2,667 fans, boosted by the joining of the match with the Illinois Homecoming Kickoff celebration.

In 2004, the Illini completed their first undefeated season at home with a record of 8-0-1. In the final match at Illinois Soccer Stadium, the Illini posted a thrilling 2-1 victory over Nebraska in the third round of the NCAA Tournament, sending the Orange and Blue on to the Elite Eight. In addition, the victory also occurred in front of a then-record 1,046 fans.

In 2000, the Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium was the site of the Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament in addition to the Illini hosting the Xavier Muskateers in the NCAA Tournament First Round. In 2001, the Illini welcomed Evansville, Syracuse and eventual National Champion Santa Clara in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament and in 2003, the Illini hosted Western Michigan, Purdue and DePaul in first and second round NCAA Tournament action.

When Illinois decided to add soccer, the athletic department, led by former Athletic Director Ron Guenther, Associate Athletic Director Dana Brenner, coaches and student-athletes, conducted a feasibility study. The first two years included the use and improvement of the campus recreational fields along Stadium Drive, followed by the construction and renovation of the new Illini Stadium. The field includes Kentucky Bluegrass with a sand base for quick drainage and is noted for its playing surface and built-in irrigation.

The Illini upgraded the facility prior to the 2017 season, adding new graphics to add to the stadium's aesthetic as well as temporary locker room facilities at field level.

HOME RECORDS

INDIVIDUAL

Most Goals (Half) 3 Jannelle Flaws vs. Saint Louis........................8/30/15

Jannelle Flaws vs. Purdue...............................9/21/14 Vanessa DiBernardo vs. Purdue......................10/1/10 Chichi Nweke vs. Utah....................................9/17/06 Rachel Smith vs. Aurora................................10/14/97

Most Goals (Game) 4 Vanessa DiBernardo vs. Purdue......................10/1/10

Most Assists (Half) 3 Rachel Smith, Illinois vs. Western Illinois.....10/24/97

Most Assists (Game) 3 Kelly Buszkiewicz, Illinois vs. Washington U..10/28/98

Rachel Smith, Illinois vs. Western Illinois.....10/24/97

Most Points (Half) 6 Jannelle Flaws vs. Saint Louis........................8/30/15

Jannelle Flaws vs. Purdue...............................9/21/14 Vanessa DiBernardo vs. Purdue......................10/1/10 Chichi Nweke, Illinois vs. Utah........................9/17/06 Rachel Smith, Illinois vs. Aurora...................10/14/97 Tracie Strother, Eastern Illinois.......................9/17/97

Most Points (Game) 8 Vanessa DiBernardo vs. Purdue......................10/1/10

Most Shots Attempted (Game) 11 Vanessa DiBernardo vs. Iowa..........................9/16/12

YEAR RECORD 1997$ 3-4-0 1998$ 7-3-0 1999 6-3-0 2000 11-2-0* 2001 4-5-0* 2002 7-2-0 2003 8-3-1* 2004 8-0-1* 2005 7-1-1 2006 7-1-0 2007 6-1-1 2008 8-1-0 2009 5-4-1 2010 8-1-0 2011 9-1-0* 2012 6-2-0 2013 7-2-0 2014 5-3-1 2015 7-2-1 2016 5-3-1 Total 139-47-9

ILLINI AT HOME

GF-GA 25-19 32-10 23-15 47-11 13-14 26-10 19-5 20-7 21-9 18-5 20-3 16-3 18-8 19-6 25-10 15-11 27-13 15-8 21-11 10-5 430-183

SHO ATTENDANCE (AVG.) HIGH ATTENDANCE

1

4,160 (520)

839 (E. Illinois)

4

3,468 (385)

538 (Iowa)

1

4,937 (549)

878 (Marquette)

7

4,919 (378)

781 (Northwestern)

2

3,819 (424)

538 (Syracuse)

2

3,653 (406)

612 (Wisconsin)

9

6,630 (552)

1,030 (Michigan)

3

6,485 (721)

1,046 (Nebraska)

4

4,507 (501)

854 (Nebraska)

5

7,261 (908)

2,667 (Penn State)

7

6,900 (862)

1,560 (Indiana)

7

6,354 (706)

2,036 (Michigan)

4

7,075 (707)

2,347 (Minnesota)

4

5,560 (618)

1,328 (Indiana)

4

7,373 (737)

1,138 (Wisconsin)

2

3,565 (446)

732 (Iowa)

2

6,421 (713)

1,526 (Nebraska)

5

5,273 (586)

1,238 (Purdue)

1

6,707 (671)

1,152 (Maryland)

5

5,495 (611)

1,012 (Morehead State)

83

115,835 (594)

2,667 (Penn State)

* Includes NCAATournament match(es)

$ From 1997-98, Illinois played its home matches at First and Stadium Field. Beginning in 1999, Illinois has played all of its home matches at Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium. During the 2000 and 2013 Big Ten Tournaments, Illinois played quarterfinal matches at First and Stadium Field.

TOP HOME CROWDS

ATT. OPPONENT

DATE

1. 2,667 No. 9 Penn State 10/1/06

2.2,357 Minnesota

9/27/09

3.2,036 Michigan

10/5/08

4. 1,560 No. 24 Indiana 10/19/07

5.1,526 Nebraska

9/29/13

6. 1,328 Indiana

10/3/10

7. 1,264 No. 9 Florida

9/14/07

8.1,238 Purdue

9/21/14

9.1,152 Maryland

9/27/15

10.1,138 Wisconsin

10/16/11

11.1,060 Missouri

8/31/07

12.1,046 Nebraska

11/20/04

Most Saves (Game) 19 Amy Bessette, Illinois vs. Northwestern........10/12/97

TEAM

Most Goals (Half) 7 Illinois vs. Western Illinois.................................. 10/24/97 7 Illinois vs. Aurora................................................ 10/14/97

Most Goals (Game) 10 Illinois vs. Aurora................................................ 10/28/98

Most Goals allowed (Half) 5 Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois..................................... 9/17/97

Most Goals allowed (Game) 7 Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois..................................... 9/17/97

Most Assists (Game) 9 Illinois vs. Washington U..................................... 10/28/98

Most Saves (Game) 19 Illinois vs. Northwestern...................................... 10/12/97

Quickest Goal to Start Game 0:13 Lindsay Johnson vs. Penn State.......................... 11/11/01

Quickest Goal to Start Second Half 45:11 Ella Masar vs. Iowa............................................. 10/28/05

Least Amount of Time Between Goals 0:35 Illinois vs. Washington U..................................... 10/28/98

Most Consecutive Shutouts 7.......................................................................... 9/2/07-10/19/07

Most Consecutive Shutout Minutes 674:10.................................................................9/2/07-10/19/07

2 // FIGHTING ILLINI SOCCER // // @ILLINISOCCER // #ILLINI

COACHING STAFF

JANET RAYFIELD

HEAD COACH // 16TH SEASON

In her 15 seasons as head coach of the Fighting Illini, Janet Rayfield has established the University of Illinois women's soccer team as one of the premier programs in the nation. Year after year, her Illinois teams break school records and set new benchmarks for conference and national levels of success.

Rayfield has led Illinois to the NCAA Tournament in 10 of her 15 seasons at the helm, highlighted by the Illini's fourth Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2013. She has coached seven players to nine conference Player of the Year honors during her tenure, and has seen five players taken in the NWSL draft following their college careers. The Orange and Blue scored the most goals under Rayfield with 54 in 2013, just three goals shy of the school record, and finished the year ranked No. 25 by the NSCAA. She coached Big Ten Forward of the Year Jannelle Flaws to a school-record 23 goals, which was tied for the most in the NCAA. Vanessa DiBernardo, who became Illinois' highest drafted player in school history following the season, completed her decorated career No. 3 on the all-time list with 43 goals along with being named a Capital One second-team Academic All-American and an NSCAA third team Scholar All-American.

Rayfield's 2016 squad came out to a strong start, shutting out three consecutive opponents to open the campaign. Rayfield coached the Illini to three more shutouts throughout the year, including an upset victory over the 19th-ranked Michigan Wolverines. A major asset to the Illini defense, senior Hope D'Addario earned All-Big Ten recognition at the conclusion of the season, and 15 Illini were honored for their work in the classroom as they were named Academic All-Big Ten honorees.

In her 13th season with the Illini, Rayfield guided veteran Illini all-star Jannelle Flaws to her second consective Big Ten Forward of the Year honor, and also saw her receive NSCAA Third Team All-American recognition. Rayfield guided the Illini to their 11th Big Ten tournament appearance and the team finished with 10 wins on the season.

Flaws continued to impress in Rayfield's 14th season as she reset Illinois' all-time goals record. The record-breaking goal was scored in style as she tallied the secondfastest hat trick in school history. With Rayfield's coaching, Flaws graduated as one of Illinois' most prolific players, holding the school records for career goals, points, shots and shots on goal. Rayfield guided the Illini to several significant wins in the 2015 season, upsetting No. 11-ranked and previously undefeated Rutgers in the Big Ten home opener. Junior Allison Stucky was credited with the first goal against the Scarlet Knights all season in the victory. Rayfield's squad qualified for its fifthconsecutive Big Ten Tournament with a 3-1 victory over Minnesota in the regular season finale.

Rayfield's 11th season saw the Illini finish 10-9-4 and reach the Big Ten Tournament Championship game along with the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The year was highlighted by the program's first ever win in Ann Arbor vs. No. 24 Michigan, advancing past Minnesota when trailing two goals and down a player 15 minutes into the match and knocking off No. 3 Penn State 1-0, the program's first ever win against a Top-3 opponent. 2012 also marked the year Rayfield's stint as Assistant Coach for the U-20 U.S. Women's National Team, and the team was rewarded with a gold medal at the U-20 World Cup in Japan. In addition, Rayfield became the first woman to win the NSCAA Honor Award.

Rayfield's first decade of leadership at Illinois culminated in one of the most successful seasons in program history - with the Illini earning a 17-5-2 record, the 2011 Big Ten Tournament Title and another NCAA Tournament appearance. During the 24-game schedule, the Orange and Blue earned a program-best eight-game winning streak and 12-game undefeated mark, while the 17 victories rank as a school record.

THE RAYFIELD FILE

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

- Career Record: 216-167-37 (.556) - Overall Record at Illinois: 177-114-32 (.619) - Big Ten Record at Illinois: 82-56-18 (.602) -Coaching records held at Illinois:

- Most overall victories (171) - Most Big Ten victories (77) - Most single-season victories (17, 2011) - Most Big Ten Tournament appearances (12)* - Most Big Ten Tournament victories (11)* - Most NCAA Tournament appearances (10) - Most NCAA Tournament victories (10) *The Big Ten Tournament was not held following the 2009-10 seasons.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

- Head Coach, University of Illinois (2002-present) - Assistant Coach, U.S. Women's U-20 National Team

- U-20 Women's World Cup (2012) - U-20 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers (2012) - Advance Scout & Technical Advisor, U.S. Women's National Team - Women's World Cup (1995) - International Friendly Matches (2008-09) - Algarve Cup (2011) - Women's World Cup (2011) - National Staff Coach, U.S. Soccer - Region II (2000-02) - Assistant Coach, University of Illinois (1999-00) - Head Coach, University of Arkansas (1993-98) - Staff Coach, Arkansas State ODP (1996-98) - Staff Coach, USYSA Regional ODP (1993-95) - Assistant Coach, University of Arkansas (1990-93) - Head Coach, Texas Spirit Soccer Club (1983-90)

COACHING HONORS AND ACCOLADES

- 2015 NSCAA Award of Excellence - 2011 Big Ten Coach of the Year, Midwest Region Coach of the Year

(NSCAA), & Big Ten Tournament Champions - 2010 Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year (NSCAA) - 2006, 2008, 2013 Illinois teams reached the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 - 2004 Illinois team advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight - 2003-04 National Soccer Coaches Association of America President - 2003 Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year (Soccer Buzz) - 10 NCAA Tournament bids in 14 seasons at Illinois, including berths in the 2004 Elite Eight and 2006, 2008 and 2013 Sweet Sixteens - United States Soccer Federation `A' Licensed Coach - Led Illinois to top-25 rankings in eight consecutive seasons (2003-present) - Helped Illinois to its first ever top-20 ranking in 1999 - Led Arkansas to the 1996 SEC Western Division Title

PLAYING EXPERIENCE AND ACCOLADES

- Standout forward at the University of North Carolina from 1979-1982, tallying 223 points on 93 goals and 37 assists

- AIAW National Champion at North Carolina (1981) - NCAA National Champion at North Carolina (1982) - NSCAA All-American (1981) - Nike Player of the Year (1981) - Named a top-10 player in the country (male or female) by

Soccer America (1981) - AIAW All-Tournament Team (1980, 1981) - Second on the North Carolina career goals scored list - Holds North Carolina record for most goals (6) and points (12) in a game - Holds North Carolina's seasonal goals per game record, with 30 scored in

12 games played (2.50 goals per match), achieved during her freshman year (1979) - Scoring leader at North Carolina in 1979 (30 goals, 7 assists, 67 points) and 1980 (25 goals, 12 assists, 62 points)

2017 ILLINOIS SOCCER RECORD BOOK // 3

COACHING STAFF

GETTING TO KNOW RAYFIELD

Nickname: Jay Ray

Favorite Athlete: The ones I see every day that work hard for each other and who can truly be part of something bigger than themselves!

Favorite TV Show: All the crime solving shows like NCIS and CSI and home shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers

Favorite event attended as a spectator: 1999 Women's World Cup Final with 90,000 other women's soccer fans in the Rose Bowl

Biggest Sports Thrill: Winning the first national title at UNC, Winning the 2003 Big Ten Tournament(first title for Illinois Soccer), and Winning the U20 World Championship in Japan in 2012.

Biggest influence on my life: My father. He showed me what it means to have pride in my work and to treat people around me fairly and with respect.

Advice to young soccer players: Play because you love the game, work hard because you love getting better, compete because you love the challenge .... regardless of whether you win or lose!

What is the "ideal" Illinois soccer player? She is disciplined, hard working, and self-motivated. She has a great desire to improve and a willingness to learn. She has a passion for the game that makes the hard work not a sacrifice but a choice. She smiles and sweats at the same time because she loves what she does. She always competes with everything she has because she expects everyone to do the same. She is a champion ? not because she has won titles but because she strives to do her best in every facet of her life.

Though the Orange and Blue fell in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Elite Eight-bound and No. 4-nationally ranked Oklahoma State, 1-0, to end the remarkable year despite outshooting the Cowgirls, Rayfield left an indelible mark on the 2011 college soccer season, one during which Illinois experienced tremendous success in tandem with adapting a new formation strategy and employing five firsttime starters on the field.

The NSCAA recognized sophomore Vanessa DiBernardo with All-America honors while the Big Ten named DiBernardo the Midfielder of the Year and Soccer America named the Naperville, Ill., native a second team All-American as well. DiBernardo continued to grow throughout the season under Rayfield's tutelage - finishing with the second-most single-season goals (17) and points (39) in program history while accumulating the third-most game-winning tallies (eight) in the NCAA over the course of the season. On defense, converted midfielder Jenna Carosio also benefited from Rayfield's guidance throughout her senior season and first as a starter. Carosio filled the void in the center of Illinois' defense left by the graduation of Danielle Kot and Krystin Miller, earning Big Ten Defender of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten honors with DiBernardo. Illinois was equally impressive in the classroom, with Carosio tallying NSCAA Academic All-America honors in addition to totaling CoSIDA Academic All-District with DiBernardo and Megan Pawloski, while 12 players were named Academic All-Big Ten award recipients. In total, more than 70 individual and team awards were handed out to the Orange and Blue during the 2011 season.

The Orange and Blue opened the fall with the dynamic offensive firepower expected, outscoring Gonzaga, eventual MAC Champion Toledo and Ball State, 15-2, to race out to a 3-0 mark to start the season. The schedule-opening firepower became the 26th highest scoring offense in the country of 330 ranked teams by seasons-end, with the Orange and Blue going on to net 142 points on 53 goals and 36 assists - the most in Rayfield's tenure. However, as the season progressed into the all-important conference slate, the true dynamic nature of Rayfield's program blossomed as the defense evolved into the lock-down unit needed to propel Illinois to the No. 2 seeding in the Big Ten Tournament.

After blowing out Indiana, 4-1, the Illini produced five consecutive shutouts, including four straight by one-goal margins as Illinois downed Purdue, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Northwestern in succession. Though the Illini finally allowed a goal at Nebraska to end the 554-minute shutout streak - only 77 minutes shy of the program record - Illinois continued to reel off victories with triumphs over the Cornhuskers and Michigan capping the regular season and establishing the program record for consecutive victories.

Entering the 2011 Big Ten Tournament as a predicted favorite to win it all, the Orange and Blue did not disappoint. After using penalty kicks to fight past Ohio

State in the quarterfinals after tying through double overtime, Illinois downed Michigan State, 1-0, in overtime during the semifinals and again used extra minutes to beat No. 11 Penn State in dramatic fashion in the final round, 2-1, as Rayfield secured the second conference championship of her tenure.

With the automatic bid for the conference secure, Illinois put its 11-game unbeaten streak on the line against the defending National Champions, Notre Dame, in the NCAA Tournament First Round. In a season of firsts, the Orange and Blue continued their record-setting ways with a 1-0 win over the Fighting Irish - becoming the first team to beat the defending champs in the first round in the tournament's 30-year history. The 17th and final victory of the year for Illinois simultaneously marked the program-high for single-season victories as the Illini had previously finished with 16 wins on three occasions - all under Rayfield.

The 2010 season saw Rayfield guide the Illini to their seventh NCAA tournament appearance since assuming head coaching duties before the 2002 season. Throughout the regular season, Illinois exhibited the dominance against nonconference opponents and visiting foes that has made the Orange and Blue successful throughout the program's history. Illinois rolled through its out-ofconference slate, accumulating a 7-1-0 record with six shutout victories while holding opponents to only six goals in nine home games, earning an 8-1-0 mark in the process.

In 2010, Rayfield created a dynamic offense while maintaining the shutdown defense that has highlighted her tenure with Illinois, earning a 13-5-1 overall record, 6-3-1 Big Ten mark and national rankings throughout much of the nonconference slate and the entire Big Ten schedule. The 32 goals produced by the Illinois offense marked the second-highest seasonal total in program history as the defense stifled opponents, holding the Illini's foes to only 16 goals in 19 games, the third-fewest ever for an Illinois team.

Throughout the 2009 season, different Illini stepped forward to secure victories against one of the most difficult schedules in the country. The Illini faced 12 eventual 2009 NCAA Tournament participants, including five Big Ten teams. With her experience facing high-caliber opponents, Rayfield was able to guide Illinois to victories over 2009 NCAA Tournament-bound Illinois State, UC Santa Barbara, Milwaukee and Michigan State by a combined score of 15-1.

Illinois also saw the emergence of young talent on the field throughout 2009 under Rayfield's guidance as Niki Read earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors and Shayla Mutz was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Rayfield also successfully guided her fourth player into the Women's Professional Soccer league (WPS) as midfielder Jackie Santacaterina was drafted with the 60th pick by the Chicago Red Stars.

The 2008 season was an absolute success, as Illinois made a trip to the NCAA Round of 16 for the third time in the past five seasons. Three Illini earned All-Big Ten honors, including first-team defender Emily Zurrer and second team honorees midfielder Jackie Santacaterina and defender Danielle Kot. Zurrer also became the first Illini to earn All-America honors three years in a row. Additionally, goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka was named a National Player of the Year finalist by Soccer News Net.

2008 also was special because of the development of the WPS league. Three Illini that played under Rayfield's tutelage were drafted, including Ella Masar, Mary Therese McDonnell and Christen Karniski. Rayfield also gained valuable coaching experience in the summer of 2008 as an assistant with the U.S. Women's National Team for two of its matches against Canada.

In 2007, Rayfield led the Illini to their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the second round for the fourth year in a row. The squad featured seven All-Big Ten selections, including three named to the all-freshman team, both of which were the most in school history. The Illini also had two representatives named National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar All-Americans in McDonnell and Kara Gostisha. In addition, McDonnell also earned the school's prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor while her sister, Shannon, was honored with the school's Fighting Illini Spirit Award.

Rayfield guided the 2006 squad to a school record-tying 16 wins, a top-10 ranking, a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a berth in the Round of 16. That Illini team also became the first in the history of the Big Ten to boast the conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year and the Freshman of the Year in Ella

4 // FIGHTING ILLINI SOCCER // // @ILLINISOCCER // #ILLINI

COACHING STAFF

Masar (offensive), Zurrer (co-defensive) and Chichi Nweke (freshman). In addition, Masar was named a second-team All-America selection by the NSCAA, while Zurrer was a third-team selection by the NSCAA.

The 2005 season was no different, despite entering the season with more question marks than in previous years. The Illini wasted no time answering those doubts, defeating No. 17 Nebraska 1-0 early in the season. The Orange and Blue proceeded to extend its streak of first-round Big Ten Tournament wins to seven and qualify for its third-straight NCAA Tournament and fifth in the last six years. Illinois defeated No. 20 Florida in the first round on the Gators' home field, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year.

After the season, senior defender Christen Karniski became the most decorated Illini in school history, earning recognition as the Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year, second team All-American by the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz, and first team Scholar All-America by NSCAA among her 10 postseason awards.

The Illini were just as successful in 2004 as Rayfield led her team to their best postseason record in school history, advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The Illini finished the season with a record of 4-0 against the alwayspowerful Big 12 conference, which included a 2-1 come-from-behind upset over ninth-seeded Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The squad also set a school record for consecutive wins (7), with Tara Hurless earning AllAmerica status for the second-straight year.

In 2003, Rayfield led the Illini to the best season in the program's history with a 16-4-2 record, a top-10 national ranking, the program's first Big Ten Tournament title and a top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament. In addition, the 2003 Illini featured two All-Americans in goalkeeper Leisha Alcia and forward Tara Hurless, a first for Illinois. For her efforts, Rayfield was named Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year by Soccer Buzz.

Rayfield not only has a wealth of soccer experience but also a fierce determination to succeed and an immense amount of respect from her peers. Rayfield served as President of the NSCAA, an organization that includes over 16,000 members, in 2003-04. In addition, she continues to assist at the youth national team level whenever possible.

A United States Soccer Federation `A' Licensed Coach, Rayfield was an assistant for Illinois in 1999 under former head coach Tricia Taliaferro and helped the Illini to a 12-8-1 record and the school's first-ever trip to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. That season, the Illini entered the NSCAA poll for the first time and climbed as high as No. 15.

Rayfield returned to Illinois in 2002 after serving two years as a United States National Staff Coach for Region II. Her duties consisted of player identification, player development and coaching education within the region. During that time, she also served as a U-19 and U-16 National Team Assistant Coach.

"Janet will be able to provide the kind of leadership and stability this team needs," former Director of Athletics Ron Guenther said when Rayfield was hired in 2002. "She has exceptional contacts as both a player and a coach at the national and international level that will allow us to continue to develop this young program."

In her playing days, Rayfield was one of the best. She played collegiately at the University of North Carolina from 1979-82 and helped build the program from the ground up. She led the Tar Heels to the 1981 AIAW National Championship and a 23-0 record in only their third year. That season, Rayfield took home the Nike Player of the Year award, All-America honors and was named one of the top 10 soccer players in America (male or female).

single-season goals with 30 in both 1979 and 1981.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences from North Carolina in 1983, Rayfield worked as a Senior Software Engineer for E-Systems in Garland, Texas, where she wrote numerous computer programs and worked her way up to management level.

When she wasn't working, Rayfield was still heavily involved with the game she loves. She played seven seasons with the Ladies' Football Club in Dallas and was the captain on six of those squads, leading them to three National Titles in 1985, `87 and `89. During that same time, she was head coach of the Texas Spirit Soccer Club that won several Washington (D.C.) area and Dallas Cup titles.

In 1990, Rayfield returned to the collegiate ranks to coach at the University of Arkansas. After three years as an assistant, she was named head coach at Arkansas in January of 1993. In six seasons at the helm of the Razorback program, she coached the 1996 SEC West Champions, two SEC tournament finalists, four All-Region players, six All-SEC players, and 27 Academic All-SEC performers while compiling an overall record of 45-64-7.

At Arkansas, Rayfield earned a Master of Science in Exercise Science/Biomechanics and also served as a USYSA Olympic Development staff coach and as a scout for both the U.S. Women's World Cup and Olympic teams. While doing all of this, she was still able to continue her playing career, as she led the Dallas Sting Soccer Club to the Over-30 National Championship in 1993.

RAYFIELD BY THE NUMBERS

2 Big Ten Tournament Titles

4 Times she has reached at least the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen

4 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipients coached

6 Consecutive NCAA Tournament berths (from 2003-08)

8 Players coached who have played for their national teams

7 Highest rank at Illinois - by Soccer Buzz on Nov. 10, 2003

8 NCAA Round she guided Illinois to in 2004

10 Total number of times she has taken Illinois to the NCAA Tournament

12 Consecutive years Illinois earned a spot in the Top-25 (2003-2014)

15 Seasons at Illinois

16 First team All-Big Ten selections

17 Illinois career record for most wins in a single season

19 Years of amateur and professional playing experience

27 Wins against ranked opponents

30 Goals scored in 1981 - 3rd in North Carolina school history

74 Points scored in 1981 - 3rd in North Carolina school history

91 Wins vs. Big Ten teams in 14 seasons

93 Career goals at North Carolina - 2nd in school history

177 Career wins at Illinois

222 Career coaching wins

223 Career points at North Carolina - 3rd in school history

In 1982, she led the Tar Heels to the first-ever NCAA women's soccer championship. That championship would be the first of 18 NCAA national titles in the storied history of the North Carolina program.

NCAA TOURNAMENT FINISH (During the Rayfield Era)

BIG TEN FINISH (During the Rayfield Era)

During her career at North Carolina, Rayfield was a captain all four years and led the Tar Heels to an overall record of 73-9 in that span. She also left her mark all over the Carolina record books. Today she still ranks in the top three in seven different offensive categories, including holding the school records for most goals in a game (6) and most points in a game (12), both set against the Chapel Hill Club in 1979. She also currently ranks second to Mia Hamm in career goals with 93, third in career points with 223, third in single-season points with 74 in 1981 and tied for third in

Elite Eight 2004 Sweet Sixteen 2006, 2008, 2013 Second Round 2005, 2007, 2011, 2012 First Round 2003, 2010

2nd 2003, 2006, 2011 3rd 2007 4th 2004, 2005, 2010, 2012 5th 2008, 2013 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 8th 2002, 2009, 2015 11th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016

2017 ILLINOIS SOCCER RECORD BOOK // 5

COACHING STAFF

RAYFIELD'S RECORD AT ILLINOIS

BY OPPONENT

Arizona Arizona State Auburn Ball State Boston College Butler Cal State Northridge Cincinnati College of Charleston Colorado Colorado College Connecticut Dayton Denver Eastern Illinois Evansville Florida Florida International Florida State George Mason Georgia Gonzaga Illinois State Indiana Indiana State Iowa Iowa State Kansas Kentucky Louisville Loyola-Chicago LSU Marquette Maryland Memphis Miami (Ohio) Michigan Michigan State Milwaukee Minnesota Missouri

0-0-1 1-1-0 1-1-0 2-0-0 0-1-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 1-1-0 0-0-1 1-0-0 3-0-0 2-1-0 1-0-0 0-2-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 6-1-2 9-4-3 2-1-0 9-4-1 1-0-0 2-0-0 0-1-0 5-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 1-2-0 1-0-0 1-1-0 7-9-1 14-1-3 2-0-0 9-5-3 2-4-2

Morehead State Nebraska North Carolina Northern Kentucky Northwestern Notre Dame Oakland (Mich.) Ohio Ohio State Oklahoma State Oregon Penn State Pepperdine Portland Purdue Rice Rutgers Saint Louis San Francisco Santa Clara SoutheastMissouri State South Carolina Stanford Syracuse TCU Tennessee Texas Texas A&M Toledo UAB UC Santa Barbara UCF UCLA USC Utah Virginia Tech Wake Forest Washington Washington State Western Illinois Western Michigan William & Mary

1-0-0 6-1-0 0-2-0 1-0-0 8-6-2 1-3-0 2-1-0 1-0-0 6-7-3 0-1-0 1-0-0 4-16-0 0-1-0 2-1-0 9-7-2 1-0-0 1-1-1 3-2-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-1 1-0-0 1-1-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 1-2-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 2-0-0 0-1-0 0-3-0 0-2-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 1-2-0 1-0-1 1-0-0 1-1-0 0-1-0

RAYFIELD'S MARQUEE WINS

DATE

First at Illinois First vs. Top 25 First vs. Big Ten First Big Ten Tournament First Big Ten Tournament Title First vs. Top 10 First NCAA Tournament 50th Career 50th at Illinois 50th in Big Ten Conference 100th Career Win 100th at Illinois 150th Career Second Big Ten Tournament Title First vs. Top 3 150th at Illinois

WIN

Sept. 6, 2002 Sept. 8, 2002 Sept. 29, 2002 Nov. 7, 2002 Nov. 9, 2003 Sept. 14, 2004 Nov. 12, 2004 Oct. 6, 2002 Oct. 21, 2005 Oct. 17. 2009 Sept. 8, 2006 Oct. 30, 2009 Sept. 11, 2010 Nov. 6, 2011 Nov. 2, 2012 Oct. 31, 2013

RAYFIELD'S YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS

YEAR 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 TOTALS

OVERALL RECORD 9-11-1 16-4-2 16-6-2 12-7-3 16-8-0 12-7-2 12-9-2 7-9-3 13-5-1 17-5-2 10-9-4 11-9-3 10-8-2 10-6-3 6-11-2 177-114-32

OPPONENT

Butler No. 25 Cincinnati Northwestern vs. No. 11 Penn State vs. Michigan No. 8 Kansas vs. Rice Minnesota at Indiana at Iowa Syracuse Michigan St. at Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Penn State vs. No. 3 Penn State at Minnesota

BIG TEN RECORD 4-6-0 7-1-2 5-3-2 6-3-1 8-2-0 6-3-1 5-5-0 2-6-2 6-3-1 8-2-1 6-4-1 5-5-1 5-6-2 4-4-3 5-3-1 82-56-18

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Wisconsin Wisconsin-Green Bay Wisconsin-Milwaukee Wright State Xavier Yale

9-5-3 1-0-0 0-0-1 2-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0

BY CONFERENCE

American Athletic ACC Atlantic-10 Big East Big Ten (includes Tournaments) Big 12 Big West Colonial Athletic Association Conference USA Horizon League Ivy League Mid-American Mid-Continent Missouri Valley Mountain West Ohio Valley Pac-12 SBC SEC West Coast

2-0-0 0-6-0 5-3-0 7-3-0 91-68-23 10-7-1 2-0-0 3-1-0 5-1-0 11-0-1 1-0-0 5-2-0 1-1-0 11-2-1 1-0-0 4-0-0 5-7-3 0-0-1 6-5-0 4-3-0

TOTAL RECORD AT ILLINOIS

Overall

177-114-32 (.597)

Home

103-26-8 (.781)

Road

49-73-18 (.414)

Neutral

25-14-6 (.619)

Big Ten Regular Season

80-59-19 (.566)

Non-Conference

77-38-8 (.658)

Big Ten Tournament

11-9-4 (.591)

NCAATournament

10-10-3 (.500)

In Overtime

18-13-31 (.540)

vs. Ranked Teams

27-49-6 (.365)

SCORE

4-2 3-0 3-1 4-3 2-0 1-0 2-0 5-2 1-0 3-1 4-0 5-0 3-0 2-1 (OT) 1-0 3-1

LOCATION

Champaign, Ill. Champaign, Ill. Champaign, Ill. East Lansing, Mich. Madison, Wis. Champaign, Ill. College Station, Texas Champaign, Ill. Bloomington, Ind. Iowa City, Iowa Champaign, Ill. Champaign, Ill. Cincinnati, Ohio Evanston, Ill. Bloomington, Ind. Minneapolis, Minn.

BIG TEN FINISH 8th 2nd 4th 4th 2nd 3rd T-5th T-8th 4th 2nd T-4th T-5th 7th 8th 11th

NCAA FINISH N/A First Round Elite Eight Second Round Sweet Sixteen Second Round Sweet Sixteen N/A First Round Second Round Second Round Sweet Sixteen N/A N/A N/A

COACHING STAFF

JEFF FREEMAN

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH - SEVENTH SEASON

Jeff Freeman enters his seventh season overall with the Fighting Illini and third as the soccer program's associate head coach in 2017. Freeman has helped to guide Illinois to at least the second round of the NCAA Tournament three times during his time with Illinois, highlighted by a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2013. Freeman helped to coach standout Vanessa DiBernardo to a pair of All-America honors and saw Jannelle Flaws lead the nation and break the school record for goals scored.

The Illini have turned in two of the top four single-season goal totals in school history during Freeman's tenure in Champaign. The Orange and Blue netted 54 goals in 2013 and 53 goals in 2011, which rank third and fourth, respectively, on the all-time list. UI boasts an overall record of 77-34-11 over the past seven seasons with four NCAA Tournament appearances, a Big Ten Tournament title in 2011 and a Big Ten Tournament runner-up finish in 2012.

The 2016 campaign was a whirlwind for the Illini as Freeman and the squad welcomed a large, yet talented, freshman class while also graduating 11 seniors. With Freeman's assistance, the Illini shut out three consecutive opponents to start the season, while receiving votes in the first NSCAA Women's Rankings. Freeman helped coach the Orange and Blue to six total shutouts, including a victory over the 19th-ranked Michigan Wolverines. A major asset to the Illini defense, senior Hope D'Addario earned All-Big Ten recognition at the conclusion of the season, and 15 Illini were honored for their work in the classroom as they were named Academic All-Big Ten honorees.

With Freeman's coaching, redshirt senior Jannelle Flaws made the 2015 season memorable for the Illini as she reset the school's all-time career goals record in style. She recorded the second-fastest hat trick in school history against Saint Louis to score the record-breaking goal. The 2015 season saw the Orange and Blue upset No. 11-ranked and previously undefeated Rutgers in their Big Ten home opener, as junior Allison Stucky scored the first goal against the Scarlet Knights all season. Freeman helped the Illini secure their fifth consecutive Big Ten Tournament appearance in a 3-1 regular season finale victory over Minnesota as well.

The 2014 slate saw the Illini close the year with a 10-8-2 record. With Freeman's assistance, Illini redshirt senior Jannelle Flaws was named Disney Soccer/NSCAA National Player of the Week, the first Illini to ever earn the recognition. Flaws continued on to be named the unanimous Big Ten Forward of the Year for the second-straight season. She led the Big Ten and tied for 12th in the NCAA with 17 goals, also being tabbed a third-team NSCAA All-American.

Freeman helped guide the Illini to their fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in school history in 2013, as they finished 11-9-3 overall. He coached Big Ten Forward of the Year Jannelle Flaws to a school-record 23 goals, which was tied for the most in the NCAA. Vanessa DiBernardo, who became Illinois' highest drafted player in school history following the season, completed her decorated career No. 3 on the all-time list with 43 goals, with Freeman coaching her during three of four seasons.

In 2012, Freeman served as the interim head coach for the non-conference portion of the schedule while Rayfield was coaching with U.S. Soccer's U-20 National Team at the World Cup. Freeman helped coach the Illini to the NCAA Tournament where they advanced to the second round after knocking off neighbor-state rival Missouri. Freeman also helped guide the Illini to their fifth Big Ten Tournament title game. In addition, Freeman took the reins of the Illini program for the first seven games of the season against one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country. Illinois finished 10-9-4 on the year.

In 2011, Freeman was integral in the process of implementing the formation changes that led the Orange and Blue to a 17-5-2 overall record, the most wins in a single season in school history and a Big Ten Tournament title victory over No. 11 Penn State. Freeman worked with both the offensive and defensive units throughout the season, also serving as a key contributor to the Illini's recruiting efforts while performing additional administrative and travel-related duties.

Freeman brought a wealth of experience and tactical expertise to Champaign, Illinois, after serving as a member of the University of Miami (Fla.) women's soccer staff from 2004-10, including the final three years as the associate head coach. He played a prominent role in Miami earning conference and national recognition with top-25 rankings and back-to-back appearances in the 2007-08 NCAA Tournaments as he assisted in all aspects of recruiting and team administration. As the recruiting coordinator, Freeman was responsible for the Hurricanes' 2007 top-25 recruiting class, which included ACC Freshman of the Year Brittney Steinbruch, and fellow U-20 National Team member Brittney Macdonald.

Freeman joined the Hurricanes' staff after serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Missouri State, for four years. The Bears' goalkeeping units earned Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Defensive Player of the Year and conference tournament MVP honors in addition to weekly MVC defensive accolades under Freeman's tutelage, while Missouri State won the MVC crown and earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance with Freeman's guidance.

As a student-athlete at Missouri State, Freeman earned academic all-conference recognition as a goalkeeper with the Bears and was a member of the 1997 squad that made the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance after earning a top10 national ranking and the MVC regular season title.

Freeman and his wife, Jamie, have two daughters, Ellie (10) and Rylie (8). Jamie was also a soccer standout at Missouri State. A four-year letterwinner, she was the team captain for three seasons. Jamie was a three-time MVC All-Conference First Team selection and was named to the 2006 MVC Centennial Team.

Freeman, who earned a bachelor's and master's in education from Missouri State, is accredited as a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) `A' Licensed Coach and holds a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He has served as a clinician at 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 NSCAA Conventions.

2017 ILLINOIS SOCCER RECORD BOOK // 7

COACHING STAFF

NICK STIRRETT

ASSISTANT COACH - SECOND SEASON

Nick Stirrett begins his second season with the Fighting Illini soccer program. A Champaign native, Stirrett works with the team's goalkeepers and serves as recruiting coordinator for the Illini.

In Stirrett's first year with the Illinois soccer program, he worked to develop a talented staff of goalkeepers who shutout six opponents on the year including a 3-0 victory over 19th-ranked Michigan. With Stirrett's assistance, senior goalkeeper, Claire Wheatley, climbed the record books to finish her career in second all-time for her 292 career saves. Senior goalkeeper, Michelle Denley was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week as she earned consecutive shutouts to start the season, including grabbing a career-high 10 saves against Illinois State.

Prior to his time at Illinois, Stirrett spent a season with the Penn State Nittany Lions. Stirrett helped Penn State to its 17th Big Ten regular season title, sixth Big Ten Tournament title and its first-ever National Championship title during the 2015 campaign. Prior to his time in Happy Valley, Stirrett served as the head men's soccer coach at the University of Mount Union where he led the Purple Raiders to one of the most successful seasons in program history. His 2013 squad earned 12 wins on its way to a third place finish in the Ohio Athletic Conference and an appearance in the OAC tournament semifinals.

Stirrett brings with him seven years of experience as an assistant coach with both mens' and womens' programs as well as he previously held the position at Northern Illinois and Depauw University. While at Northern Illinois, Stirrett saw Jordan Godsey set the school record for career shutouts, a number that ranked 11th all-time in NCAA Division I history.

At Depauw, Stirrett worked with both the men's and women's soccer programs, also serving as the goalkeepers coach. Stirrett saw two of his players continue on into the professional ranks after their time at Depauw, and he helped guide the men's program to a No. 11 ranking after the 2010 season. He was also active with youth development programs, acting as the director of boys' goalkeeping and the assistant girls' goalkeeping coach for the Indiana Olympic Development Program and serving as the head goalkeeping coach for Dynamo FC.

From 2006-07, Stirrett also held multiple roles as he worked as the women's soccer assistant coach and an assistant for the men's and women's track and field teams at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Stirrett graduated from Augustana College in 2006 with Bachelor's degrees in both English and History. Stirrett earned his Master's degree in English in 2008 from Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

SUPPORT STAFF

Shari Clapp

Acadmic Counselor

Terry Conlon

Director of Concessions

Kyle Croy

Equipment Manager

Mary Gallagher

Office Manager

Zach Boone

Strength & Conditioning

Brittany Scott

Athletic Trainer

Giana O'Connor

Marketing & Promotions

Lenny Willis

Facilities Management

Maria Ochoa Woods

Associate Athletics Director Senior Woman Administrator

Deion Summers

Event Management

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