NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Soccer program welcomed eight new Redbirds to its 2024 signing class as announced by the staff during the national signing period.
The class includes three Illinois natives in Molly Hughes (Rockton, Ill.), Autumn Diduch (Freeport, Ill.), and Taylor Ahmadian (Naperville, Ill.). With the additions of Eiley Henderson (Wales, Wis.) and Eve Gricius (Oconomowoc, Wis), the Redbird roster will now have four student-athletes hailing from Wisconsin. Kendall Croteau (Grand Blanc, Mich.), Chandler Huffman (Maineville, Ohio.), and Maggie Dowling (Chaska, Minn.) round out the signees, representing three different states.
"We're excited to add a very talented 2024 class to our program," said assistant coach, Aulani Whisler. "They embody our program's values and desire for excellence. We're looking forward to seeing them and their families in Redbird colors this coming year!"
Molly Hughes | Midfielder | Rockton, Ill. | Hononegah HS | Rockford Raptors FC
Prior to Illinois State: Hughes was an IHSA Sectional finalist in 2022 and an IHSA Regional Champion in 2021 and 2022…Scored 56 goals with 24 assists, earning NIC-10 All-Conference Honors, IHSCCA All-Sectional Honors, IHSCCA All-State Honors…Named NIC-10 Scholar-Athlete… U23 State Cup Champions, u23 Regional Champions, and U23 Fourth Place National Finalists as a captain for the Rockford Raptors…Hughes is also her Student Body President, a member of the National Honor Society, and a SOAR Mentor…Hughes was previously the Student Body Treasurer and the 2024 Sophomore Class President.
Kendall Croteau | Defender | Grand Blanc, Mich. | Grand Blanc HS | Liverpool FC ECNL
Prior to Illinois State: Led Grand Blanc soccer to a District Championship and a Regional Final ('23) while also winning the Saginaw Valley Conference ('21)…Four-year varsity starter, earning All-District ('21,'22,'23), All-Conference Saginaw Valley First-Team ('22), Second-Team ('21,'23), All-Region ('23), and All-State Honorable Mention ('23)…Helped her club to the ECNL National playoffs showcase cup A ('22) and cup B ('23)…Three-star TopDrawer athlete…Named to the ODP State Team (2021-22), (2020-21) as well as a Midwest Regional Camp Invitee…Croteau earned All-Academic Saginaw Valley Team ('21,'22,'23) and an Award for Academic Excellence in 2022.
Autumn Diduch | Forward | Freeport, Ill. | Freeport Senior HS | Rockford Raptors FC
Prior to Illinois State: Diduch captained her to team a conference championship as well as a regional championship in 2021…First-Team All-Conference ('21,'22,'23), All-Sectional ('21,'22), All-State in 2023, and became the all-time leading goal scorer with 108 goals… Diduch was a three-year club captain ('21,'22,'23) and earned ECNL Midwest All-Conference Second-Team honors while also placing fourth in the National U23 Tournament with the Rockford Raptors…Diduch also earned the High-Honor Roll every semester at her high-school.
Chandler Huffman | Defender | Maineville, Ohio | Cincinnati Christian Academy | Ohio Elite ECNL
Prior to Illinois State: Four-year varsity player and captain, All-Conference First-Team and Second-Team honoree, All-Southwest Ohio honoree, All-Northeast Super Region honoree, Named MVP and Best Defensive Player (CHCA), Cincinnati Enquirer D2 First-Team All-Star, Named Miami Valley Conference Player of the Week, and 2023 Cincinnati Enquirer Player to Watch…Captained her club team to an ECNL playoff qualifier and Champions League…Named to Soccer Wire "players that impressed" for the 2022 ECNL playoffs and ECNL Player of the Week for Ohio Elite…Huffman is a four-year All-Academic selection, a two-year National Honor Society Member, a Board member of the Student Organized Service as well as a leader and intern…A Two-year Gold/Ambassador Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient, and a Silver/Honor Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient.
Eiley Henderson | Midfielder | Wales, Wis. | Kettle Moraine HS | FC Wisconsin
Prior to Illinois State: Two-year captain helping to lead her team to a conference championship, two Regional Championships, and a State-Finale…Named offensive player of the year, Named All-Conference both First and Second Team, and All-State honorable mention…Captain in her U18/19 season…Helped her team earn a spot in the ECNL club Nationals in 2022 while being named ECNL Midwest All-Conference Second-Team.
Eve Gricius | Forward | Oconomowoc, Wis. | Oconomowoc HS | Elmbrook United
Prior to Illinois State: Four-year varsity letter-winner…Helped her team to become Regional Champions and was named First-Team All-Conference in her sophomore, junior, and senior years…Led Elmbrook United, as a Captain, to third place in the state while scoring 24 goals, with 10 assists in her previous club season…Attended E64…Named a Scholar-Athlete every-year in HS.
Taylor Ahmadian | Midfielder | Naperville, Ill. | Waubonsie Valley | Galaxy 2006 GA
Prior to Illinois State: Helped lead her team to the second round of sectionals in 2023…All-Conference selection ('23), All-Sectional ('23), All-DuPage Valley ('23),Voted MVP of team ('23), 2x MVP of the Match from Chicagoland Soccer, All-State Watch list ('23), and Naperville Sun Girls All-Area Team ('23)…Scored 18 goals in her junior year…Helped lead her club team to become National Finalists at ECNL Playoffs ('22)…Qualified for ECNL Playoffs ('20,'21,'23)…Named TopDrawer Soccer Top 15 in the class of 2024 for October ('22) and January ('23)…All-Conference track athlete ('23), 4x1 state qualifier, voted MVP of team ('23)…All-Academic Track ('21,'22,'23) and Soccer ('23).
 Maggie Dowling | Midfielder | Chaska, Minn. | Holy Family Catholic HS | Salvo GA
Prior to Illinois State: Four-year varsity player…2022 MSHL Conference Champion, 2021 MSHL Section champion, 2021 MSHL State third place…2021 MSHL All-Conference honorable mention, 2021 MSHL State All-Tournament team, MSHL All-State First-Team ('22,'23), MSHL conference #1 player ('22), MSHL Ms. Soccer finalist ('23)…Second in league standings for club soccer…Mid America Talent ID ('23), Regional champion WPSL ('23), National Finalist WPSL ('23)…Scored 44 goals and 28 assists…ODP State team member and earned second place nationally with Salvo WPSL…Earned Presidents list each semester in HS.
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