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.
We are excited to announce the addition of @aulani_whisler as an assistant coach!
“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.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Despite a resilient second-half defensive effort, Illinois soccer fell 2-1 to No. 20 Rutgers on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. The Illini, now 7-8-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Big Ten play, were unable to overcome a first-half deficit despite controlling much of the offensive action after the break.
Rutgers (10-3-3, 6-2-2 Big Ten) opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Riley Tiernan capitalized on an Illinois turnover in their defensive third, netting her fourth goal of the season. Just two minutes later, the Illini responded with a goal from Sarah Foley, leveling the game at 1-1. Foley’s strike marked her 10th goal of the season, solidifying her status as the team’s top scorer.
However, the Scarlet Knights reclaimed the lead at the 32-minute mark when Shaela Bradley scored off an assist from Tiernan. That would prove to be the game-winning goal, as neither team could find the back of the net in the second half.
Illinois applied pressure throughout the contest, outshooting Rutgers 15-10 and earning six corner kicks, five of which came in the second half. The Illini defense tightened after the break, holding the Scarlet Knights to just three shots, only one of which was on target. However, Rutgers’ defense, led by goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer’s five saves, held firm to protect their lead.
Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee recorded four saves in the first half, helping to keep her team within striking distance. The Illinois attack kept pushing for an equalizer, but a lack of finishing touch in the final third left the Illini without a second goal.
Foley, a junior forward from Belleville, Ill., continues to be a standout for the Illini. In addition to her 10th goal of the season, she has been a key offensive contributor throughout the year. A 5-foot-5 Academic All-Big Ten selection, Foley started 15 consecutive matches last season and has been a vital part of Illinois’ attack this year.
The Illini return to action on October 27 for their 2024 season finale, hosting Northwestern at Demirjian Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
Keywords: Illinois soccer vs Rutgers, Sarah Foley goal, Illinois Big Ten soccer, Illinois soccer
URBANA - Atkins Tennis Center announced the schedule for the Fighting Illini Women’s 15K Futures tennis tournament starting this Sunday. The event, which offers free admission to the general public, will run Sunday, November 5th through Saturday, November 11th.
The competition begins on Sunday at 10am with the qualifying draw of 32 women vying for a spot into the main draw, which will commence on Monday after the conclusion of the qualifying matches. In addition competing for WTA and ITF rating points, the top finishers share a total purse $15,000.
Last year's doubles champions, Megan Heuser and Kate Duong, are back looking to repeat finish. The field of competition will feature rising international players from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, China, and other countries around the globe.
The brackets for the qualifying round are expected to released on Saturday.
Tournament Schedule:Sunday, November 5th: Qualifying draw of 32 players will begin at 10 a.m Monday, November 6th: Qualifying draw finishes. Main draw matches to follow, 10 a.m. start Tuesday, November 7th: Main draw match play will resume with a 10 a.m. start Wednesday, November 8th: Main draw match play will resume with a 10 a.m. start Thursday, November 9th: Doubles semi-finals and Singles quarter finals 10 a.m. start Friday, November 10th: Doubles final and Singles semi-finals, 10 a.m. start Saturday, November 11th: Singles final at 10 a.m.
Nearly half of older Americans can’t even afford basic needs
I worked hard my whole career and retired feeling secure. Then I lost every last dime in a scam. I was left with $1,300 a month in Social Security benefits to live on in an area where monthly expenses run about $3,700.
I’m a smart woman, but scams against older Americans are increasing in number and sophistication. Whether through scams, strained savings, or costs of living going up, half of older Americans — that’s 27 million households — can’t afford their basic needs.
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PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Despite a resilient second-half defensive effort, 
