Chambana Sun

Illinois soccer head coach Janet Rayfield has announced the addition of eight new players to the Fighting Illini roster for the 2024 season. The recruits include Mia Gildea, Ava LeGault, AJ Mayock, Claire Murray, Peyton Rhodes, Lauren Seppi, Emma Yee, and Bella Zanoni.

"This class is a diverse group of winners," said Rayfield. "They come from winning programs, they are driven to win and they are coming to Illinois to help us win. They each have special talents and unique strengths to bring to the field and their collective competitive mentality will help us enter the new Big Ten conference poised to compete and expecting to win."

Rayfield also emphasized the academic contributions these athletes will make: "As you can see from all their comments on why they chose Illinois they will also be great members of our academic community and are excited to join the family environment of our program and our athletic department."

The incoming players have achieved notable successes in their respective high school careers. Mia Gildea was captain of FC Dallas from 2016-2023 and received multiple accolades including being named in the ECNL 1st Team All-Conference in 2021 and 2022. Ava LeGault was recognized as a two-time VHSL Class 5 First Team All-Region player.

AJ Mayock earned titles such as District 25 6A MVP in 2023 while Claire Murray was a two-time all-state selection with significant goal-scoring achievements. Peyton Rhodes has been acknowledged for her goalkeeping skills with titles like Goalkeeper of the Year in Gwinnett County.

Lauren Seppi brings experience as part of championship-winning teams at both U16 and U17 levels in ECNL competitions. Emma Yee has played internationally, contributing to her team's success at events like the FIFA Blue Stars Youth Cup.

Bella Zanoni rounds out this group with consistent performances leading her team to state championships.

Rayfield shared insights into each player's potential impact on the team: "Mia is a hard-nosed defender... Ava's accolades show she is a creator... AJ is an enforcer... Claire is a proven goal scorer... Peyton strengthens our goalkeeping group... Lauren's leadership makes her valuable... Emma brings creativity on ball... Bella competes relentlessly."

These additions aim to bolster Illinois' competitiveness as they prepare for challenges within their conference next season.