Lia Howard, a senior on the University of Illinois Fighting Illini women’s soccer team, has been recognized as Scholar Athlete of the Week for her performance during August 18-24, 2025. Howard majors in communication and psychology.
During the opening week of the season, Howard played a key role in helping the team secure three consecutive 1-0 victories against UIC, Bowling Green, and Boston College. She contributed six shots, with three on goal—tied for second-most on the team—and logged 179 minutes across these matches.
Head coach Katie Hultin is in her first year leading the program. According to information provided by the university, “Howard has been a persistent leader for the team when it comes to success as a student-athlete. On the field, she has been a major component of the Illini attack, registering six total shots and putting three shots on goal, tied for second on the team through the first three games. Overall, she has logged 179 minutes in Illinois’ three-straight 1-0 victories at UIC, at Bowling Green, and home vs. Boston College.”
Howard is from Massapequa, New York.
