SPRINGFIELD, IL --- Erin Egolf has been named the interim head coach for the 2016 women's soccer program as announced by the Illinois Springfield athletic department. Egolf has been an assistant on the staff for the past three seasons after completing her playing career for the Prairie Stars in 2012.

"This decision will provide our women's soccer student-athletes with familiar leadership and make for a seamless transition during this late point of the summer," said Interim Director of Athletics Hayley Treadway. "I have a tremendous amount of faith in Erin and her ability to lead our team to new heights this season, and will work closely with her to ensure she has all the support needed to be successful."

Egolf takes over for Molly Grisham who was at the helm for the three seasons prior. Grisham resigned earlier this year to pursue a career in leadership and career development.

"I am absolutely thrilled for the chance to continue on with this program and lead this team for the upcoming season," said Egolf. "I would like to thank Hayley and Jim Sarra for this tremendous opportunity and for their unwavering support. I am confident that this program will accomplish some great things and the future is very bright for UIS women's soccer."

The UIS alum will inherit a roster of 25 players, seven of which are incoming freshman. The Prairie Stars graduated three seniors last year and are coming off a season in which they set a program record for wins with five.