CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois soccer head coach Katie Hultin has announced the additions of seven players to the Fighting Illini roster for the 2026 season.
Abby Anderson I Forward I Surrey, British Columbia, Canada I Burnaby Central Secondary I Unity FC/Surrey United SC
ABOUT ANDERSON:
- 2023 Surrey United Female Player of the Year
- 2023 Dana Cup U17 Final Best Player Award
- 2024 League 1 BC Champion
- Listed for Canada U17 National Team
WHY ILLINOIS: "I enjoyed the environment and the tight knit group of kind players and coaches. I love the campus and all it has to offer. I could definitely see myself growing as a soccer player and as an individual."
Cadence Conrad I Midfielder I Lafayette, Ind. I William Henry Harrison HS I Indy Premier SC
ABOUT CONRAD:
- Recorded four braces with Indy Premier SC
- Enjoys working out, art and cooking
- Her biggest influence on her athletic career is her dad, Brian
WHY ILLINOIS: "It has an amazing atmosphere. The effort and winning mentality are always there. Having a family environment is something I cherish the most and it's very much practiced here."
Presli Houk I Midfielder/Forward I Lees Summit, Mo. I Lees Summit North HS I Sporting Blue Valley
ABOUT HOUK:
- 2025- 18 goals, 6 assists, 2024- 13 goals, 13 assists, 2023- 11 goals, 5 assists
- Two-time First Team All-State
- Three-time First Team All-Conference (Suburban Gold Conference)
- 2026 Top-20 Soccer Players by SoccerKC
- 2024 North American Cup Champion with Sporting Blue Valley
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because I know it will challenge me both academically and athletically."
Avia Hughes I Forward I League City, Texas I Apex Learning HS I Houston Futsal Association
ABOUT HUGHES:
- 2025 Ghana U21 National Team Camp
- Four-time U.S. National Team Camps (2021-24)
- Can play the bass and electric guitar
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because the coaches and staff seemed to care a lot about me not only as a player but also as a person. They want to win and compete in the big tournament, and it's clear they're making the right moves to get there. Illinois also feels like the perfect place for me to continue developing my skills and preparing for the professional level."
Sophia McMillan I Midfielder/Forward I Inverness, Ill. I William Fremd HS I Sockers FC
ABOUT MCMILLAN:
- 2023 U19 Girls Academy National Champion
- Four-time Mid-America Talent ID Invite
- Two-time USYNT ID Center
- 2024 Capelli Sport ID Invite
- Basketball 2025 Daily Herald All-Area Honorable Mention and three-year varsity letterwinner
- 2024-25 State Runner-Up in basketball
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose Illinois because of the team, coaching staff, and the belief in the women's soccer program. Illinois is building something special here and I want to be a part of the success they are creating."
Ashley Smith I Goalkeeper I Davie, Fla. I Western HS I Florida United Soccer Club
ABOUT SMITH:
- Two-time letter winner in soccer and flag football
- Third Team All-Broward in flag football
- Her biggest influences on her athletic career are her parents, Dan and Tracy
WHY ILLINOIS: "I feel in love with the campus environment, the strong academic programs, and a soccer program that not only believes in winning but developing me as an athlete and a person."
Noreen Tijhof I Forward/Midfielder I Montréal, Québec, Canada I École secondaire des Sources I Académie du CF MONTRÉAL
ABOUT TIJHOF:
- Her favorite player is Neymar
- Her hobbies include singing, reading and photography
- A fun fact is she is left-footed and right-handed
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose the University of Illinois because it offers an excellent balance between top-tier academic programs and an exceptional athletic program. The facilities are incredible, and the coaching staff is highly competitive. Furthermore, from the very first day of my visit, I felt right at home and besides, orange has always been my favorite color. It's the perfect place for me to grow as both an athlete and a student."
