Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini soccer head coach Katie Hultin has announced the addition of Aulani Whisler to the coaching staff as an assistant coach. Whisler will focus on working with the team's defenders.

"I am thrilled to welcome Aulani to the staff," said Hultin. "She was an integral part of our team's success last year and she will make an immediate impact at Illinois. She is a phenomenal recruiter and an outstanding coach, bringing the perfect balance of competitiveness and compassion. Her drive and dedication make her a tremendous asset and I am excited to see her make a difference both on and off the field."

Whisler joins Illinois after serving in a similar role under Hultin at Grand Valley State University in 2024, where she contributed to the Lakers conceding only nine goals in 24 matches, leading to an NCAA DII Midwest Regional title.

"I'm honored and excited to be joining Illinois soccer," Whisler stated. "I would like to thank coach Hultin for the opportunity to continue coaching alongside her. I cannot wait to get started with our student-athletes and pour into all aspects of our program!"

In 2023, Whisler worked as an assistant coach at Illinois State following her time as interim head coach at Chicago State in 2022, where she led the Cougars to their most wins in program history.

Before entering Division I coaching, Whisler served as an assistant coach at Stanislaus State and Cal State East Bay, where she played 69 matches during her four-year college career from 2015 to 2018.

In October 2021, Whisler was selected for the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under Program's class of 2021-22, which offers education and mentorship for emerging coaches aged 30 or younger.

Whisler will join assistant coach Sammy Jo Prudhomme on Hultin's staff.