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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois Soccer head coach Janet Rayfield announced the addition of Sydney Stephens to the Fighting Illini Soccer program on Monday (June 28). Stephens will transfer to Illinois after spending her first season at the University of Georgia. Competing this summer, Stephens is currently the leading goal scorer for the Saint Louis Scott Gallagher team in the national pro-am United Women’s Soccer League.
SYDNEY STEPHENS | MIDFIELD | WATERLOO, ILLINOIS | WATERLOO HIGH SCHOOL | ST. LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER: Stephens spent her youth career playing up an age group for ECNL club St. Louis Scott Gallagher… participated in a National iD2 camp in Casa Grande, Arizona… won the conference and advanced to the IHSA State Elite Eight with Waterloo High School… Student Council President and a member of the National Honor Society… IMG Top 150 Player for the Class of 2020, a National Top Midfielder, and ECNL Midwest Conference Players to Watch list.
WHY ILLINOIS?
“It felt like the perfect place for me to continue my academic and athletic careers. I am nothing short of impressed by head coach Janet Rayfield because of the expertise she brings to the table, I know I will be in great hands to learn more about the game. Considering I want to coach and play professionally, this staff has what it takes for me to grow as a player and person underneath them. Janet and Jeff have always stressed the importance of character in the people at Illinois. I can say without a doubt the people here is what’s keeping me close to home this time around.”
RAYFIELD’S TAKE
“We are thrilled that Sydney has chosen to bring her talents, her mindset, her work ethic, and her positive attitude to the Fighting Illini program and family. Her ability to attack and defend equally will be a great asset in the midfield. Her ball-winning, competitive mentality, coupled with a desire to get better every day will have a positive impact on the field and off. We are excited to welcome Sydney to Champaign!”
Stephens joins incoming freshmen Angie Galo (Wheaton, Illinois), Naomi Jackson (Freeport, Illinois), Maeve Jones (Frisco, Texas), Ella Karolak (Grosse Pointe, Michigan), Abby Lynch (Brownsburg, Indiana), Maddie Mariani (Wheaton, Illinois), Alyssa Weede (Arlington Heights, Illinois), and Alexa Joshi (Des Plaines, Illinois) as the newest additions to the Illini Soccer roster.