CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois soccer head coach Katie Hultin announced the addition of Cailynn Junk (St. Joseph, Mich.) to the Fighting Illini roster for the 2025 season.
CAILYNN JUNK | GOALKEEPER | ST. JOSEPH, MICH. | GRAND VALLEY STATE // ST. JOSEPH HS // MIDWEST UNITED
ABOUT JUNK
- 2024 GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year; 2024 All-GLIAC First Team
- 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team; 2024 D2CCA Midwest All-Region Second Team
- In lone season at Grand Valley State, posted a 13-1-8 record, keeping 12 clean sheets
- Allowed just 0.41 goals per game in 2024, making a total of 79 saves and recorded a .898 save percentage
- Two-time all-state and three-time all-conference selection at St. Joseph High School
- Was also named all-conference three times and all-state once for basketball in high school
Junk joins the Illini after a very successful season with Grand Valley State in 2024, where she helped the Lakers to a NCAA DII Midwest Regional championship.
Junk started 22 of the team's 23 matches last season, posting an overall record of 13-1-8 and recording 12 clean sheets. The St. Joseph, Mich., native, made a total of 79 saves during the campaign and had a .898 save percentage. She was named 2024 GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year to go along with an All-GLIAC First Team selection.
HULTIN'S TAKE: "We are so excited to have Cailynn join the Illini! She's an incredible shot stopper, great in the air and she strives for greatness day in and day out. We can't wait for her to come in and make an impact!"
WHY ILLINOIS: "I chose the University of Illinois because it offers the perfect balance between competitive soccer and strong academics, allowing me to pursue my athletic goals at a high level while also receiving a top-quality education."
