On their home pitch, the women's Illinois soccer team finished the season with a win against the Northwestern Wildcats.
This win ends the remarkable coaching career of Janet Rayfield. Coach Rayfield ends her 23-year run with the Illini with a total of 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including four trips to the Round of 16 and a Quarterfinal appearance in 2004. Under coach Rayfield, the women in Orange and Blue also captured two Big Ten Tournament titles.
Last Sunday's win is also highlighted by another stellar performance from Sarah Foley. In the 51st minute, the combination of Sarah Hiestand, Lia Howard, and Foley led to Foley's 11th goal of the season.
This goal is symbolic of what is to come next year with the continued growth of Foley and the rise of players like Howard.
A few days following the match, Foley was named Second Team All-Big Ten. Foley finished the year with 11 goals (a career high) and two assists, a total of 24 points for the season. The best stat of her incredible year has to be that six of her 11 goals were game-winners. Foley also scored in the final three contests.
Senior Abby Lynch, who was a force in her own right against the Wildcats, was also recognized with year-ending honors. Lynch was named Illinois' Sportsmanship Award Honoree.
There is no doubt that the next head coach will inherit a team that is set up for further success, thanks to the leadership of Coach Rayfield, powerhouse players like Foley, and up-and-coming players like Howard, Emma Yee, and Izzy Lee. I know I'm looking forward to watching the women in Orange and Blue in 2025.