Illinois soccer prepares to start 2026 season with high expectations

The Illinois soccer team kicks off its 2026 season tonight at home against Georgia after a successful 2025 campaign, which included a 13-6-2 record and an NCAA tournament appearance. Head coach Katie Hultin aims to build on last year's momentum, benefiting from key returners like goalie Izzy Lee and forwards Cayla Jackson and Emma Yee. Recent transfers, including forward Hedda Ornberg and former Virginia Tech players Ava Arengo and Kylie Marschall, add depth to both offense and defense. Illinois enters the season ranked ninth in the Big Ten Women's Soccer preseason poll, looking to improve on last year's postseason results.

• 2:24 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois soccer is ready to kick off 2026 season