The University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team announced its 2022 recruiting class. The Prairie Stars have signed 12 players that will join the program this fall.
 
"This incoming class is certainly a special one due to several factors," said head coach Erin Egolf. "The different states and countries they hail from, the many positions they play, and the different experiences they bring. I'm delighted with this group of talented players, high-achieving students and quality people, and I think they will make their immediate mark upon their arrival to campus."
 
This year's class includes six players from Illinois, two from Missouri, and one from Tennessee and Texas. Two players also hail from Europe. UIS has one goalkeeper, three forwards, three defenders, two midfielders, and three midfielders that can play both defense and midfield.
 
"The depth, ability and competitiveness they will bring to our already gifted returning group is something I am excited to witness," said Egolf. "We are more than ready to welcome this freshmen class to our women's soccer family, and we are eager to see the impact they will have on all areas of our program."
 
Louise Anderson
Position: Defender
Why did you choose UIS? The team and coaches make it seem like a good environment to live and play football in.
Hometown: Linlithgow, Scotland
High School: Linlithgow Academy
Club: Boroughmuir Thistle
Parents: Seonaid and Ian
 
Dani Auble
Position: Midfielder
Why did you choose UIS?
I really liked the campus, especially the size. I was also very impressed with the Honors Program and the overall academics that UIS has to offer.
Hometown: Plainfield, Ill.
High School: Plainfield North
Club: Chicago Inter
Parents: Tom & Corrine
 
Alexa Blake
Position: Forward
Why did you choose UIS?
I chose UIS because I felt a great connection with coaching staff and team. I loved the family atmosphere that I felt when I practiced with the team. The campus felt like a place where I could be happy for my college years.
Hometown: Katy, Texas
High School: James E Taylor
Club: Albion Hurricanes
Parents: Thomas & Heather
 
Reagan Chigas
Position: Goalkeeper
Why did you choose UIS?
I chose UIS because to me it seemed almost like the perfect fit. It's a smaller school and a school that is closer to home, so it just feels like I'm at home.
Hometown: Troy, Ill.
High School: Triad
Club: St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Parents: Rob & Rebecca
 
Chassity Colburn
Position: Defender
Why I chose UIS: The academic program met all my requirements, and I thought I could have a positive impact on the team.
Hometown: Hampton, Ill.
High School: Alleman
Club: Quad Cities Rush
Parents: Sam & Jen
 
McKenna Gahagan
Position: Midfielder/ Defender
Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because everything about the school instantly felt like home. As a Prairie Star, I can't wait to play the sport I love with an amazing group of girls and work with an awesome coaching staff.
Hometown: St. Charles, Ill.
High School: St. Charles
Club: Chicago Soccer Academy
Parents: Mom- Lisa, Dad- Brian, Step-Dad- Jerry
 
Taytum Scarborough
Position: Defender/ Midfielder
Why did you choose UIS? I chose UIS because of the great soccer community there, and the vast competitiveness of both the program and the conference.
Hometown: Saint Charles, Mo.
High School: St. Dominic
Club: Lou Fusz GA 03/04
Parents: Rob & Kelly
 
Anna Schurz
Position: Midfielder/ Defender
Why did you choose UIS?
I choose UIS because of the people, location, and the smaller school, allowing for a tighter knit community. I am excited to develop as a player and person at UIS!
Hometown: Carbondale, Ill.
High School: Carbondale Community
Club: St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Parents: Henri & Katrin
 
Maia Shields
Position: Midfielder
Why did you choose UIS? I chose UIS because of how welcoming the team and coaches are. I also really like the campus and think it's a place I can grow as a person and player. 
Hometown: Collierville, Tenn.
High School: Collierville
Club: Lobos Rush Premier
Parents: Lynn & Stephanie
 
Corinne Stewart
Position: Forward
Why did you choose UIS?
I chose UIS because the amazing team environment and culture was evident when I attended an ID camp. I immediately felt very welcomed by the coaches as well as the team. The good team culture, size of the school, and great academics made UIS the perfect choice for me.
Hometown: Saint Joseph, Mo.
High School: Savannah
Club: KC Athletics
Parents: Greg & Cailie
 
Hilppa Tuomainen
Position: Defender
Why did you choose UIS?
I chose UIS because here I can pursue an internationally accredited degree that I'm interested in and continue my soccer career. The coaches also immediately gave me a strong positive impression!
Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
High School: Pohjois-Haagan Yhteiskoulu
Club: Vantaan Jalkapalloseura (Finland: Women's First Division)
Parents: Topi & Annu
 
Katelynn Ward
Position: Forward
Why did you choose UIS?
I have always known I wanted to play soccer in college and UIS was the perfect fit. I chose UIS because of the high level of soccer and family feel. It wasn't too far from my family and the UIS campus felt like a second home to me.
Hometown: Wonder Lake, Ill.
High School: Woodstock North
Club: Crystal Lake Force
Parents: Jason & Sheryl