CHAMPAIGN - Aulani Whisler will join the Fighting Illini womens' soccer staff as an assistant coach working with the team's defenders. New head coach Katie Hultin, who replaced long time head coach Janet Rayburn this fall, announced the addition of Whisler last week.
Whisler transitions south to Illinois from Grand Valley State University in 2024, where she served under Hultin. Under her guidance, the Lakers conceded just nine goals in 24 matches en route to their NCAA DII Midwest Regional title.
“I am thrilled to welcome Aulani to the staff,” Hultin said. “She was an integral part to our team’s success last year and she will make an immediate impact at Illinois. She is a phenomenal recruiter and an outstanding coach, bringing the perfect balance of competitiveness and compassion. Her drive and dedication make her a tremendous asset and I am excited to see her make a different both on and off the field.”
Whisler, who will join assistant coach Sammy Jo Prudhomme, was as an assistant coach at Illinois State in 2023, following a highly successful one-year stint as interim head coach at Chicago State in 2022. Despite her short tenure, she earned well-deserved respect while guiding the Cougars to the most wins in program history.
“I’m honored and excited to be joining Illinois soccer,” said Whisler, who was was selected to the 2021-22 class of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under Program, a year-long education and mentorship opportunity designed to support up-and-coming members of the coaching profession who are 30 years of age or younger. “I would like to thank coach Hultin for the opportunity to continue coaching alongside her. I cannot wait to get started with our student-athletes and pour into all aspects of our program.”
Whisler has plenty of experience on the pitch. A four-year athlete, she played in 69 matches during her career from 2015 to 2018.
