Sangamon Sun

Everything is new for the University of Illinois Springfield's women's soccer team: a new coach, new players and a new season.

Head coach Erin Egolf is also hoping for a new (and improved) record after the Prairie Stars finished four games below .500 last year.

"I expect our program to do exceptional things," she told the Sangamon Sun. "This team has a lot of potential, and I think we can certainly achieve a lot. I expect this program to achieve success on the field and in the classroom, and this fall is shaping up to be an enjoyable season. This is an outstanding group of girls already, and I am excited to add our new players into the mix. The future is bright for UIS women's soccer, and I am looking forward to the upcoming season."

Egolf recently wrapped up her recruiting class by bringing in Izabel Pina and twin sisters Amanda and Kayla Meyer.

"All three are quality soccer players, solid students and good people," Egolf said. "After forming relationships with all three girls, I knew they would fit in well with our current team."  

Pina hails from Glendale Heights, Illinois, where she played soccer at Glenbard West for two years. She was named to the West Suburban Conference All-Conference team and will compete for playing time right away, Egolf said.

The Meyers are from St. Louis, where they went to high school at Pattonville. Kayla was a three-year starter on the varsity squad, a team captain and twice named to the all-conference second team. She's expected to help out on defense for UIS.

Amanda was also a team captain at Glenbard West, where she played in 34 varsity games during her four years. She was honorable mention all-conference as a sophomore and named Best Offensive Player of the Year. She's expected to compete for playing time her first season as well, and the fact that Amanda and Kayla are attending UIS together should allow for a smooth transition to the next level.

"They have a very good relationship, and they push each other to be their best," Egolf said. "I'm excited for both of them to join the team because they are the kinds of student-athletes that we want on our roster."  

Egolf, who played soccer at UIS, was a three-time Great Lakes Valley Conference all-league selection and an assistant with the Prairie Stars for three seasons. She said she has big expectations in her first year at the helm, hoping to help her players perform well both on and off the soccer field.