November 11, 2026 | Soccer
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois soccer head coach Katie Hultin announced the signing of seven incoming freshmen to the 2027 signing class on Wednesday (Nov. 11).
"We're really excited to welcome this class into our Illini soccer FamILLy," said Hultin. "They're talented, driven competitors who bring valuable experience and a desire to keep getting better. Welcome home!"
KATE INGRAM | GOALKEEPER | OVERLAND PARK, KAN. | BLUE VALLEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL | SPORTING BLUE VALLEY ECNL
ABOUT KATE:
- 2023 ECNL Midwest Conference Champions.
- First-Team All-State 2026.
- 2024 Kansas 6A State Champion.
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because of the welcoming and family-like environment both the coaches and team instill, as well as the competitive environment that will continue to push me as both a player and a person."
HUDSON JOYNER | FORWARD | ATLANTA, GA. | MIDTOWN HIGH SCHOOL | TOPHAT SC
ABOUT HUDSON:
- Champions Cup Champions 2025 and 2026.
- National Championship 2026.
- Best of Girls Academy Southeast Talent ID 2023, 2024, 2025.
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois for its strong academics, diversity, and athletics. The school provided everything to help me reach my goals successfully and confidently over the next four years."
IRIS OPPONG | CENTERBACK | WHITBY, ONTARIO, CANADA | BILL CROTHERS SECONDARY SCHOOL | AFC ACADEMY
ABOUT IRIS:
- 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup participant.
- U17 Canada Youth National Team.
- Plans to pursue a career in psychology after her athletic career.
- Lists her father, Frederick, as her biggest influence on her athletic career.
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois for its amazing staff, competitive environment, and strong academics that can help me grow as a player as well as a person."
ALLISON PARK | MIDFIELDER | SAN JOSE, CALIF. | LELAND HIGH SCHOOL | MOUNTAIN VIEW LOS ALTOS (MVLA)
ABOUT ALLISON:
- 2025 ECNL U16 National Champion.
- U16 ECNL Player of the Year.
- ECNL U16 All-American Team.
- 2025-26 BVAL League MVP.
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois for its amazing staff, competitive environment, and strong academics that can help me grow as a player as well as a person."
AZAIYA PATTERSON | WINGER/FULL | MILTON, ONTARIO, CANADA | ST.FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
ABOUT AZAIYA:
- U17 Canada Youth National Team pool.
- Scored the fastest hat trick in OWFL history in just under three minutes.
- GU17 OPDL Champion.
- Canada Games Gold Medalist.
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose UIUC because of its strong soccer program, great academics, and supportive coaching staff. I believe it's the perfect place to grow as both a player and a student while working toward my goals."
AISE SIA | LEFTBACK/CENTERBACK | MORENO VALLEY, CALIF. | MARTIN LUTHER KING JR HIGH SCHOOL, ALTUS/AUDEO VALLEY CHARTER SCHOOL | LEGENDS FC
ABOUT AISE:
- Philippines U17 National Team Captain (2024, 2025, 2026).
- Philippines Women's National Team 5x Call Cup.
- 2x ECNL Girls National Quarterfinalist (2023, 2024).
- 1x ECNL Girls Southwest Conference Champion (2023).
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because of the family culture and environment. Seeing how much the players, coaches, and staff care for each other and push each other to get better really stood out to me. It felt like a place where I could be myself, grow as a player and a person, and be part of something special."
SADIE STRATTON | MIDFIELDER/STRIKER | ALPINE, UTAH | LONE PEAK HIGHSCHOOL | WASATCH FC
ABOUT SADIE:
- U15, U14, and U13 Surf Select National Team.
- Team Captain.
- Future plans are to play professional soccer in London.
WHY ILLINOIS: "I fell in love with the team, the campus, the coaches, and the overall culture of the team. I want to become the best soccer player I can, and I know this will be an amazing opportunity and help me along my journey to excellence."
