CHAMPAIGN- Fighting Illini senior Katie Murray will continue her soccer career in the professional ranks, as she signed a contract to play with the Finnish team, Ik Myran, who will makes its debut in the top premier league, Naisten Liiga. A 2018 United Soccer Coaches Association All-North Region Second Team honoree and All-Big Ten Second Team selection, Murray led Illinois in scoring this season and started in all 20 of Illinois' matches.
"Reflecting back on it, so many little things added up to get me to this point," Murray said of continuing her career. I would like to thank my coaching staff for their constant support and belief in me. I would like to thank my teammates for pushing me, both literally and figuratively, each day. I would like to thank our strength coach and athletic trainer for preparing me to be at my best. And many thanks to all the behind-the-scenes people in the Illinois athletic department who make sure student-athletes are provided for and taken care of. I am grateful for this new opportunity where I can continue to learn, develop and be challenged. I am beyond excited to see what's in store and where this wonderful sport can take me."
"I am thrilled for Katie to have this tremendous opportunity to continue her soccer career and take her game to the next level," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "I know she will do everything she can to make the most of it and I think it will be the next step in a long and successful career in the game."
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Murray led Illinois in goals and points this season, netting eight goals on the year while racking up 20 points. A staple in the Illinois midfield, Murray also added four assists on the year. She scored two game-winning goals during the season, helping Illinois to a 1-0 victory over Michigan State and a 3-1 win over Purdue. Murray fired 35 shots on the year and put 21 of those on goal.
Murray is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten and 2018 United Soccer Coaches Association Scholar All-America North/Central Region Second Team honoree. She earned her degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in December 2018.
