Normal, Ill.-- The Illinois State women's soccer team will be celebrating its 25th season throughout the 2021 spring campaign. The team, originally formed in 1996, has become a staple for Redbird Athletics and an integral part of its storied history. Fans can follow along on the team's social media accounts as we honor the legacy of the ISU women's soccer program.
"What an absolute honor to be involved with such a storied and accomplished program," said head coach Brad Silvey.
"In just my short seven years with Redbird soccer, I have met and coached some of the most incredible alums and student-athletes. I can firmly attest that this program has served as a platform to help shape and positively impact hundreds of amazing and influential women. As we pause and recognize the past 25 years, I want to share a heartfelt 'thank you' to all that have contributed, great or small. We celebrate each of you and your commitment to excellence and achievement!"
Since its inception, the team has won seven MVC Tournament Championships ('03, '09, '11, '12, '13, '14, '16) and 11 MVC Regular-Season Titles ('98, '99, '01, '03, '07, '08, '11, '13, '14, '16). Redbird soccer has also had seven NCAA Tournament appearances ('03, '09, '11, '12, '13, '14, '16), and is the only Valley program to ever advance to the second round, doing so three times in 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Redbird Soccer owns an all-time record of 255-171-43 (.590) and a conference record of 95-33-11 (.723).
The program has produced 10 MVC Players of the Year, with the most recent being 2019's Kate Del Fava. Del Fava was drafted to the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) by the Utah Royals, 12th overall in 2020, the highest ever for a MVC player. She became Redbird Soccer's second player to be drafted into the league, behind Rachel Tejada in 2015.
The team has called Adelaide Street Field home since the team's first year in 1996, and has had a major advantage when playing in front of the Redbird proud. The team's stellar performances have led them to a 136-48-19 (.717) record all-time at home turf. The team has posted a winning record at home in 21 out of their 24 seasons, including 17-straight from 1998 to 2014.
Redbird Soccer looks to add to the program's rich history in 2021, while taking a moment to step back and honor those who paved the way for Illinois State women's soccer to become what it is today.
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).
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