The Illinois Central College women's soccer team is brimming with optimism thanks to the six veterans that sixth-year head coach Javi Valle has returning on the roster, as well as the nine freshmen that are new to the program. The Cougars will open the 2025 season on Saturday as they host D2 St. Charles at 2:00 pm at ICC CougarPlex Soccer Field. 

In 2024 the young Cougars posted a 6-6-1 overall mark and made it to the Central District Semi-Finals where they fell at Iowa Western to close their season.  ICC will look to better that mark this fall, meshing experience with the talented freshman class. 

ALL-REGION RETURNEES LEADING THE WAY
Sophomore captains Vivienne Hardiman and Alexandra Husson will spearhead the attack for the Cougars. Both players earned All-Region 24 honors and will look to make more of an impact this season. Last year Hardiman led the team in goals (9) and also had a total of 4 assists. Husson, a center-mid, had 3 assists.

"We'll depend a lot on Vivi and Alex due to their experience, leadership qualities, and the level of play they bring into the team," Valle said.

ROOKIES TO WATCH
Two freshmen who could make an impact are Tori Morin (winger, forward, defensive midfield) and Annina Kunz (center back). Morin is very versatile while Kunz has shown solid leadership during pre-season workouts.

"Tori is a player that can play multiple positions for us, and she excels in them all. She has shown early on that she will be someone we will rely on a lot," Valle said.

Kunz has big shoes to fill as she'll take over for departed All-Region center back Kirsten Bruhns but Valle feels she is more than up to the task.

"Annina possesses all the qualities to be successful and has shown she won't have a problem being a big leader for us in the back. She has everything needed to have an impact on the team on and off the field," he said.

SEASON OPENER
The Cougars' home opener is Saturday, August 23 against St. Charles (a team that qualified for the D2 National Tournament last season). The team will then take their annual trip to Ottumwa, IA to participate in the Indian Hills Showcase on August 29-30.  Valle's squad will play their nemesis, #10 Iowa Western and battle against Western Wyoming

Besides their typical Region 24 opponents, the Cougars will host D2 Jefferson College on September 9 and Indian Hills on September 19 before readying for post-season play which will begin the last week of October.

"Even though we had some problems in the offseason that affected our roster size (ultimately leading to us losing 6 players) I believe we have the quality to make noise both in the region and the district. We hope to bring back that Region Championship to the school," Valle commented.