CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois women's soccer program, which plays its inaugural season in 2019, announced the signing of 20 players on Thursday, representing the first recruiting class in school history. Head coach Grant Williams discussed the class, which features 18 freshmen, during a press conference in the Cook Club.
"It's an honor and privilege to announce the initial signing class and the 20 young ladies who will be the foundation for Saluki Soccer, not only for next year but for the foreseeable future," Williams said. "It's a historic moment for our program and for those young ladies who have decided to join us on this adventure. I couldn't be happier for this day to have gotten here."
Williams was hired on May 7, 2018 and hired world-renowned goalkeeper coach Libby Stout as his top assistant later that month. Grant Williams
"Since the announcement was made in May, there's been about 30 available recruiting weekends — we've been out on the road on 20 of those," Williams said. "We have basically covered the country and regionally the best that we could. If there were games going on with players we were interested in, we knew we had to be there."
The coaching staff signed nine players from the state of Illinois but also picked up recruits from as far east as Detroit and as far west as San Diego. Four of the team's goalkeepers are from California.
"We truly have been able to accomplish a national recruiting paw print for what our program is going to be," Williams explained. "We needed to make some in-roads regionally with clubs and building relationships and Saluki Soccer being a destination for the best players in the area, but we also recognized there's talent outside of driving distance."
Williams said he was especially pleased with the talent level the program was able to attract.
"For those of you who are in the know with the soccer world, 15 of the 18 freshmen have experience in the ECNL (Elite Club National League) or Developmental Academy programs, which are national leagues," he said. "That's the highest level of youth soccer that the country has to offer. It speaks volumes about the commitment level of those young ladies and their families for them to develop as soccer players, and the seriousness of the talent we know that we need to be able to attract here to be successful."
The Salukis will play their first exhibition match at Tennessee Tech on Aug. 11, the first home exhibition on Aug. 17 versus SEMO, and the first regular-season match on Aug. 23 versus Illinois-Springfield. Kaitlyn Akers | Forward/Midfield | 5-8, Freshman
St. Louis, Mo. | Lindbergh High School High School & Club
Second-Team Suburban West All-Conference in 2018, led the team with 13 goals...Team finished 17-8-1 and won Suburban West District championship...Scored a hat-trick in first high school game against Eureka...Participated in the International Soccer Academy...Also played four years of softball and two years of basketball. Personal
Daughter of Steve and Mary Akers...Father is a nurse and mother is an analyst...Won the Lindbergh Renaissance academic award three times in high school...Recorded a 4.01 weighted GPA.
Why I Chose SIU
"I wanted to come to SIU to be a part of a brand-new women's soccer program. It was close to home and was the right size school for what I wanted. I wanted to continue my passion for soccer in college because I could not imagine my life without it." Maddy Alaluf | Goalkeeper | 5-6, Freshman
Newport Beach, Calif. | Pacifica Christian High School High School & Club
Was part of the first freshman class at Pacifica Christian and helped found the varsity soccer program...Played two years due to playing US Soccer Academy...Played for So Cal Blues DA club team, which was a three-time Surf Cup finalist...Selected to participate in the Olympic Development Program Region IV Pool...Also played volleyball in high school, was Second-Team All-Conference and helped team to California Interscholastic Federation finals...A member of the Dean's List. Personal
Last name is pronounced Al-uh-loof...Daughter of Gershon and Amy Alaluf...Both parents are veterinarians...Born Sept. 15, 2001 in Newport Beach, Va...Has two younger sisters. Why I Chose SIU
"First, to be a founder of a Division I soccer program is nothing any of my teammates and friends will be able to do. Second, my grandfather's first veterinary practice was Striegel Animal Hospital in Carbondale back in the 1960s. My grandmother's first school nursing job was in Carbondale. My mom and uncle were born in Carbondale." Marissa Basi | Forward/Midfield | 5-4, Freshman
Marion, Ill. | Marion High School High School & Club
A four-year varsity starter and two-year team captain...Team tied the school record for wins (17) in 2018 and won Regional championship...Two-time First-Team South Seven Conference selection and two-time Southern Illinois Coaches Association All-South team...All-Sectional pick in 2018...Holds the school record for single-season assists (31), which ranked No. 10 all-time in the IHSA...Played for Scott Gallagher's St. Louis club team that advanced to the 2016 ECNL Playoffs in Oceanside, Calif...Also competed for volleyball, cross country and track teams. Personal
Last name is pronounced Bay-see...Daughter of Roman and Brandi Basi...Father is an attorney and CPA, mother is an accounting assistant...Born Oct. 11, 2000 in Marion, Ill...Working to obtain pilot's license at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois...Is a Certified Nursing Assistant who will work at a nursing home or assisted living in the summer...Planning to study abroad for 10 days in Madrid, Spain in summer of 2019...Planning to go to Law and Medical School at the same time at SIU...High school activities included Student Council, Little Egypt District of Student Council, Tri-Hi-Y Service Club, Health Occupations Students of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Math Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, After School Tutor, Young Conservatives Club, Unified Partners, Big Cats Mentoring Program, Student Advisory Board, Prom Committee, Freshman Mentor... Four-time MHS High Honors, three-time Rotary Award recipient. Why I Chose SIU
"SIUC had everything I was looking for in a school, from football to social life to overall campus feel to academics. I was shocked that I found my dream college right in my backyard. Soccer was not my deciding factor, and it shouldn't be for any athlete, but as soon as the 2019 team was announced my heart was set on SIUC." Madison Bennion | Forward/Midfield | 5-8, Freshman
Murrieta, Calif. | Vista Murrieta High School High School & Club
Four-year letterwinner and starting midfielder on varsity team that was California Interscholastic Federation state semifinalists and won Southwestern League title in 2016 and 2017...Captained the 2018 team and Second-Team All-Southwestern League...Played for Arsenal FC ECNL club team...Club team was USYS National Championships finalist, National Cup champions and Far West regional qualifier. Personal
Last name is pronounced Ben-yin...Daughter of Robert and Yvette Bennion...Born Nov. 19, 2001 in Fullerton, Calif...Volunteers her time to work with special education students and Special Olympics... Related to Mervin S. Bennion, Captain of the U.S.S. West Virginia which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor...Can give anyone a run for their money on Just Dance, especially when doing the salsa. Why I Chose SIU
"SIU offers an amazing program for criminal justice with many field-related opportunities. It also will be an incredible experience to be a part of the inaugural soccer team under such a great coaching staff." Natalie Bethers | Midfield | 5-4, Junior
Cary, Ill. | Cary Grove High School
Played for SIU's club team...A transfer student from Dixie State (Utah). High School/Club Team
Played varsity soccer in high school and for the SBW Alliance club team...Also competed in Cross Country and team advanced to Sectionals in 2012. Personal
Daughter of Larry and Ellen Bethers...One of five siblings...Born July 14, 1998 in Orem, Utah...Earned High Honors at Dixie State, Vice President of Dixie State Soccer CoEd Club, Treasurer of Psychology Club, Seminary four-year graduate and president...Young Women's Leader of LDS church, involved in annual Special Needs Dance and various types of community service... Has a passion for rock climbing, caving, snowboarding and outdoor activities...Has played violin since the age of 12 and participated in various orchestras and choirs. Why I Chose SIU
"I have loved the opportunities offered to me here, both within the classroom and without. The teachers are exceptionally involved in student success, and there are many ways one can become involved and find others with common interests, making it easy to excel in schooling and in life." Liz Brechtel | Forward | 5-7, Freshman
Joliet, Ill. | Plainfield Central High School High School & Club
Played for Eclipse Select club team...Team was a 14U and 15U Elite ECNL State Cup finalist and Palatine Cup champions...15U team was ECNL Champions League playoff qualifier...Co-captained her US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional League Premier II team in 2016 and 2017...Her Eclipse Elite ECNL team was the DA Mid-America Conference champions in 2017, 2018. Personal
Daughter of Jeffrey and Amanda Brechtel...Father is an inventory control manager and mother is a clinical laboratory scientist...Born in Winfield, Ill...Earned High Honor Roll (2015-2017) and Honor Roll (2018) in high school...Participated in Wildcat Care Club and Art Club...Is an artist and photographer. Why I Chose SIU
"I fell in love with the atmosphere of SIU the minute I stepped on campus. I have been able to meet so many kind and caring people that help make the college feel like it isn't very far from home." Devin Butler | Forward/Midfield | 5-3, Freshman
Harrisburg, Ill. | Harrisburg High School High School & Club
Named to the Southern Illinois Coaches Association All-South team in 2017 and 2018...Totaled 62 goals and 35 assists in three seasons on the varsity team...Played for the Calico Hawks Club team...Also played basketball and was a two-time All-Conference and All-South volleyball player (2017, 2018). Personal
Daughter of Jason and Angi Butler...Father is a coal miner, mom is a homemaker...Father played in the minor leagues for the Atlanta Braves...Born Oct. 31, 2000 in Carbondale, Ill...High school activities included National Honor Society, Key Club, White Hats, Youth for Christ, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Lettermen's Club, Outdoor Adventure Club. Why I Chose SIU
"To be a part of the first women's soccer team and it being so close to home is why I chose SIU." Blake Clark | Forward | 5-4, Freshman
Marion, Ill. | Marion High School High School & Club
A four-year varsity starter, team captain...Team tied the school record for wins (17) in 2018 and won Regional championship...South Seven Conference Offensive Player of the Year and team MVP as a senior, in which she set the school record for goals in a season (52) — the 17th most in state history...Also ranked fourth in Illinois for goals scored consecutively in a season (15)...Southern Illinois Coaches Association All-South team, All-Sectional pick in 2018...Played for Scott Gallagher's St. Louis club team that advanced to the 2016 ECNL Playoffs in Oceanside, Calif. Personal
Daughter of Dave and Heather Clark...Father is a transportation manager...Born on May 25, 2001 in Carbondale, Ill...The oldest of four siblings...In high school, participated in Student Advisory Board, Senior Class Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Young Conservatives Club Unified Partners Special Olympics, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Committee, Mentoring Freshman Program CATS, Tri-Hi-Y Service Club and Down to Pray Youth Group...High school National Honor Society and Math Honor Society member who earned Rotary Silver Key, Academic GPA Award and Perfect Attendance Award...Was born with a cleft palette that required surgery and worked with a therapist to overcome speech difficulties. Why I Chose SIU
"SIU has always been my school of choice, both of my parents are alumni, and I live just 30 miles from Carbondale. Additionally, SIU is the only school in Illinois that offers a four-year Dental Hygienist degree. I am also excited to be playing on the inaugural women's soccer team!" Sam DeJulio | Defender | 5-6, Freshman
Arlington Heights, Ill. | Saint Viator High School High School & Club
Named the East Suburban Catholic Conference Defender of the Year as a senior in 2018 and was a First-Team Daily Herald All-Area pick and First-Team All-Sectional...Helped lead her team to the 2018 ESCC championship, plus regional, sectional and super-sectional titles to advance to state finals...Played three years for Eclipse Select club team and team advanced to ECNL national finals...Also a four-year varsity basketball player, team captain and Daily Herald All-Area selection. Personal
Last name is pronounced Deh-WHO-lee-oh...Daughter of John and April DeJulio...Father is a professional motivational speaker and mother is a nurse...Father played professional soccer (Chicago Stingers, Skeid FC Norwegian 1st Division) and was former coach with the Chicago Red Stars...Born Sept. 19, 2000 in Chicago...Has three siblings...From the same high school as Jarrett Payton (Walter Payton's son), Jonathan Spector (Manchester United) and Nino Dasilva (NY Metro Stars)...A National Honor Society student and three-time Principal's Honor Roll. Why I Chose SIU
"I chose to come to SIU because of not only the coaching staff, but also because I'm more than excited to be a part of the first ever woman's soccer team and the chance to help build the program." Kaitlin DuCharme | Midfield/Defender | 5-7, Freshman
Rochester Hills, Mich. | Rochester High School High School & Club
Michigan High School Athletic Association All-District and Oakland Activities Association Scholar-Athlete in 2017 and 2018...Team's leading scorer with nine goals, three assists in 2018...Played for Vardar ECNL and Nationals Union 01 Black club teams...Club team was 2018 State Cup champions...ODP Region II ID Camp Final Player Pool (2014-2017)...Also competed in track and basketball. Personal
Last name is pronounced Dew-SHARM...Daughter of Steve and Linda DuCharme...Father is a financial advisor and mother is a financial analyst...Born Aug. 9, 2001 in Royal Oak, Mich... National Honors Society, Beaumont Hospital volunteer, and All A and B Honor Roll all four years in high school...Played boys travel hockey while in high school...Qualified for downhill ski racing championship in Winter Park, Colo. Why I Chose SIU
"Everyone at SIU was very welcoming and I loved the overall atmosphere of the school." Alyssa Fallon | Midfield/Defender | 5-7, Freshman
Las Vegas, Nev. | Palo Verde High School Club Team
A four-year starter for Heat FC's ECNL 01 club team...In 2017, identified by Top Drawer Soccer as a two-star recruit and as a top-50 ranked player in the ECNL Southwest Division...Invited to the US Soccer Club's Player Development Program. Personal
Daughter of Pat and Patricia Fallon...Parents work at MGM Grand Hotel...Born Aug. 21, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nev... "While I'm not related to anyone famous, sometimes I trick people into thinking that I'm related to famous talk show host Jimmy Fallon."... A four-year high school honor student who will graduate with an advanced honors diploma...Performs volunteer and charity work for Three Square, which is a food bank providing food assistance to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda and Clark Counties. Why I Chose SIU
"I chose to come to SIU because it will be an amazing experience to be a part of the start of the women's soccer program. Also, I think of SIU as a place where I can grow academically and athletically for the next four years. SIU is a great fit and the coaching staff made me feel very welcome throughout my recruitment." Sofia Howe | Goalkeeper | 5-10, Freshman
Chula Vista, Calif. | Eastlake High School High School/Club Team
Played for Albion SC club team and participated in U.S. Soccer Development Academy...Varsity letterman in high school who played both soccer and lacrosse. Personal
Daughter of Greg and Gabriella Howe...Born April 2, 2001 in Oklahoma City, Okla...Great-grandfather drew the Allstate logo...President of Titan Buddies (a special needs integration club)...Plays the cello and piano...Can drive a manual transmission. Why I Chose SIU
"I am coming to SIU to be a part of the inaugural women's soccer team. I am so thrilled to be a part of this and become a role model to the young girls in Carbondale while also studying at SIU." Madison Meiring | Forward | 5-5, Freshman
Martinsville, Ind. | Martinsville High School High School/Club Team
Played for the FC Pride club team in 2018 and was the team's leading scorer...Team won the Indiana State Cup championship...Played varsity soccer as a freshman and was Offensive Player of the Year and won the Superintendent's Award...Also participated in cross country, swimming and track & field. Personal
Last name is pronounced My-ring...Daughter of Tony and Starr Meiring...Father is a logistics manager and mother is an LPN...Born April 10, 2001 in Greenwood, Ind...In high school, was president of National Honors Society (2018-2019) and state qualifier in Business Professionals of America (2015)...Lived in Seattle for two years and met many famous soccer players when they played for the women's Sounders. Why I Chose SIU
"I chose to come to SIU because I am so excited to be a part of the first soccer team in Carbondale. I am also excited to study biology and Spanish while being a student-athlete. I can't wait to play soccer at the highest collegiate level." Dariana Mihalache | Goalkeeper | 5-9, Freshman
Concord, Calif. | College Park High School Club Team/High School
Participated in U.S. Soccer Development Academy...Played for Lamorinda Soccer Club and helped team win the 2016 Surf Cup...Started 27 games in 2017-18 and had a 96.4 save percentage...Played varsity basketball as a freshman and set the school record for rebounds. Personal
Last name is pronounced Muh-HOLL-uh-kay...Daughter of Liviu and Corina Mihalache...Father is a maintenance manager and mother is a floral designer...Born Oct. 18, 2000 in San Jose, Calif...Has a Romanian heritage and speaks the language fluently...Was the first third-year sports medicine student at her school and treated everything from ankle sprains to second-degree burns...Received a Science Achievement award for sports medicine...Convinced four of her high school teachers to go skydiving with her. Why I Chose SIU
"It's not every day you get the opportunity to make history by being a part of the first Division I soccer team. I want to help pave the way for future players and set the standards as high as I can. Plus, who wouldn't want to be a Saluki?" Ashley Moore | Goalkeeper/Defender | 5-7, Senior
Carbondale, Ill. | Carbondale High School Kaskaskia College (2016-17)
All-Region both years and helped lead team to 12-2-1 and 11-5 records. High School/Club Team
Ranks first in career shut-outs in Carbondale history... Defensive Player of the Year, two-time South 7 All-Conference, Fralish Cup All-Tournament... Recorded an 84 percent save percentage 0.85 goals per game as a senior... Also participated in volleyball, basketball and bowling. Personal
Daughter of William and Brandy Moore...Born March 7, 1997 in Decatur, Ill...In high school, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Honor Roll. Why I Chose SIU
"I chose to come to SIU because it's close to family and both of my parents are alumni." Christy Murauskis | Midfield | 5-9, Freshman
Palatine, Ill. | William Fremd High School High School/Club Team
Played for Sockers FC DA club team (2017-2019) and team was ranked in top five in the 2018-19 season...Played for Sockers FC Elite Club National League team (2016-17)...Played on the varsity as a freshman and helped team win Class 3A regional championship. Personal
Last name is pronounced Mur-OWS-kiss...Daughter of Jim and Robin Murauskis...Born April 12, 2001 in McHenry Ill...Honor Roll student in high school...Participated in United Clubs of Fremd, Sockers FC College Placement community service program, Feed My Starving Children and was an Operation Snowball Group Leader. Why I Chose SIU
"I chose to come to SIU because it has a great education program as I want to be a teacher and I really liked the people I have met. Plus, I get to be a part of a historical first season of the women's soccer program and play for Coach Grant." Katy Quinn | Defender | 5-3, Freshman
Bloomington, Ill. | Normal High School High School/Club Team
Played and started for three seasons for high school team and earned Second-Team Big 12 Conference honors (2018), Big 12 Conference Scholar-Athlete award (2017-18) and IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award (2018)...Combined team record during that span was 60-12-5 with 55 shutouts...Played for Illinois Fire Juniors club team...Club team was Central Illinois League champions (2015), MRL Division champions (2016), Illinois State Presidents Cup champions (2016), Region II Presidents Cup champion (2017), National Presidents Cup runner-up (2017), Illinois State Cup semifinalist (2017), MRL Division champions (2017), Girls U19 State Premiership champions (2018),Illinois State Cup semifinalist (2018)...Combined club team record (2015-2018) of 62-12-12, 223 goals for, 44 goals against, 57 shutouts...Participated in the Fire Juniors Elite ID Program (01 Girls) in which team members were selected from 11 affiliated clubs through the Chicago Fire Elite Training Program and SC DEL SOL'S Presidents' Day Tournament Champions (2018). Personal
Daughter of David and Jennifer Quinn...Father is an analyst and mother is an accountant...Born January 16, 2001 in Tucson, Ariz...Named to high school Academic Honor Roll (2016-2019), participated in Leadership Club (2017-2019), Tutoring (2018-2019) and Younglife (2018-2019) Why I Chose SIU
"I chose to come to SIU for the opportunity to play DI soccer while pursuing my degree in their highly recognized College of Engineering. SIU also provides a beautiful campus, friendly people and amazing opportunities for research." Nicole Raventos | Goalkeeper | 5-7, Freshman
Manhattan Beach, Calif. | Mira Costa High School High School/Club Team
The starting goalkeeper for USSDA LA Galaxy club team...Played varsity soccer her freshman and sophomore years and earned the scholar-athlete award both years...Also played club volleyball, beach volleyball and basketball. Personal
Daughter of William Raventos and Mishelle Ying...Born Jan. 4, 2001 in Torrance, Calif...Had a 3.5 GPA every semester in high school...Involved numerous clubs at school, including girls who code and beach clean up...Loves to travel and has been to more than 20 countries. Why I Chose SIU
"I chose SIU because they provided me with a great opportunity to play soccer at a college level with a big emphasis on extra help for my academics as well. I also get to experience the Midwest, which I have never done before." Paityn Schneider | Midfield/Forward | 5-7, Freshman
Edwardsville Ill. | Edwardsville High School High School/Club Team
Started for the varsity all four years and was a two-time Third-Team All-Conference selection...Led the team in goals and assists in 2018...Helped lead team to conference and regional championships in 2017...Played for Scott Gallagher's St. Louis club team and led the team in goals and assists for three seasons...Played in PDP premier league in 2017 and 2018, and participated in id2 camp. Personal
Daughter of John and Jill Schneider...Father is a sales rep, mother is an office manager...Born Jan. 9, 2001 in Maryville, Ill..."My nickname is chalk, because my legs are long white and pale like chalk." Why I Chose SIU
"I chose SIU because it was the perfect distance from home, and the academics plus athletics are both really good, and being a part of a new team will be so much fun." Emma Spotak | Forward | 5-3, Freshman
Palatine, Ill. | William Fremd High School High School/Club Team
Played for Sockers FC DA club team...Played varsity high school soccer as a freshman and team won regionals...Also participated in track & field. Personal
Last name is pronounced Spoh-tack...Daughter of Steve and Kelly Spotak...Father is a mortgage specialist, mother is teacher...Born May 9, 2001 in Park Ridge, Ill... Honor Roll student freshman year of high school..."I've broken 13 bones and have had two knee surgeries all from playing soccer, yet here I am playing on a D1 soccer team! Go SIU!" Why I Chose SIU
"I love the coach, Grant Williams, he has a lot of faith and has put hard dedication into this new program. Also the faculty of SIU is absolutely amazing and is surrounded to help all kids succeed in their academic and athletic career. Lastly, the community of SIU is so comforting to be around, it feels like home!"
