NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State Soccer head coach, Marisa Kresge, has announced the second new addition to the staff for the upcoming 2023-24 season, Peyton Willie.
Willie joins the Redbirds following her playing career nearby at Illinois. She posted a strong freshman year for the Fighting Illini in 2018 before medically retiring. In 2018 she appeared in 19 matches, scoring her first-career goal in an 8-0 victory over Northern Illinois. She also dished three assists in that game, tying her for the most in assists a game by an Illinois freshman in school history. She then spent two years as the program's assistant to the Director of Operations, where she gained experience helping meet operational needs for the program.Â
"I am very happy to welcome Peyton from the University of Illinois," Kresge said. "She will manage all aspects of our daily operations in addition to assisting on the field. Having experience as both a player and manager in the Big Ten is a huge asset to our program. Peyton's enthusiasm and dedication is going to positively impact and enhance our student-athlete experience."
"I am beyond excited to join the Redbird family," Willie said. "I'm looking forward to working with the program, while also continuing my education at a great university."Â
Willie is the second new addition to the staff after the announcement of Jen Wandt earlier in the week.
The 2023 season for the Redbirds kicks off Aug. 17 with a road trip at Big Ten foe Indiana. Illinois State's home slate opens Aug. 31 as the Redbirds host North Dakota.
