Chambana Sun

Illinois soccer head coach Katie Hultin has announced the addition of two new players, Cayla Jackson from Clermont, Florida, and Lauren Smith from Frisco, Texas, to the Fighting Illini roster for the 2025 season.

Cayla Jackson joins the team after spending her freshman year at Georgia. During her time with the Bulldogs, she made 16 appearances and started in seven games. Notably, she scored a game-winning goal on her collegiate debut against Illinois on September 5, 2024. Jackson played for Tampa Bay United ECNL and East Ridge High School and was ranked in IMG's Top 150 rankings. Her achievements include being named to First Team ECNL in 2021-22 and Second Team ECNL in 2022-23.

Coach Hultin commented on Jackson's addition: "We're excited to welcome Cayla Jackson to our Fighting Illini famILLy. After a solid year at Georgia and a standout youth career, Cayla has proven herself to be a smart, technical and dynamic player."

Jackson explained her decision: "I chose Illinois because it felt like home. My father went to Illinois State and this is the second time I've been recruited by the University with a completely different staff."

Lauren Smith arrives at Illinois after enrolling early at Texas Tech but did not feature in any games with the Red Raiders. At Memorial High School, she was a two-time all-district selection and named defensive player of the year as a freshman.

Hultin expressed enthusiasm about Smith joining: "We're excited to add Lauren Smith to our program. She had a strong youth career and gained valuable experience this spring that has prepared her well for the college level."

Smith shared her reasons for choosing Illinois: "I chose Illinois because I feel it is the best fit for me and will give me the best opportunity both athletically and academically."