Katie Hultin hired as Illini Women’s Soccer coach

Illinois Athletic Director, Josh Whitman, has announced that Illini Women’s Soccer has hired Katie Hultin as their new coach. Per FightingIllini.com, Hultin signed a five-year contract that is currently pending approval from the Board of Trustees. Most recently, Katie Hultin served as head coach of the women’s soccer program at Grand Valley State University. She recorded an impressive winning record of 45-7-19 with a robust conference record of 26-3-13. She led the Grand Valley State team to three postseason appearances including two NCAA tournament regional championships.

Additionally, Hultin is very familiar with the Champaign area after serving as an assistant coach at the previous Illini soccer coach, Janet Rayfield. In late October, Rayfield announced her retirement after 23 years as the head coach. Rayfield led the Illini to ten total NCAA tournaments and is the winningest coach in program history.

Excited to welcome @KatieHultin and her family back to the 🔶🔷! Katie brings incredible @bigten and @IlliniSoccer pedigree, high motor and competitive drive, and great teaching and relationship skills to Champaign! The future is bright for @IlliniSoccer under Katie’s leadership! https://t.co/aLIuOuHgfy

— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) December 10, 2024

Official Statement from Coach Katie Hultin:

Per fightingillini.com: “I am beyond thrilled to be the next head coach for Illinois women’s soccer,” Hultin said. “It is an incredible honor to lead this program and build on the remarkable legacy that Janet Rayfield has established. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Josh and the entire Illinois administration for their belief in me and their trust in my vision for the future of this team. Their support and confidence mean the world to me, and I am excited to pour my heart into continuing to elevate this program both on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to work with our student-athletes to achieve greatness.”

A new era of Illinois soccer.

Welcome @KatieHultin!#Illini | #HTTO | #UP ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/dWITcy3s1E

— Illinois Soccer (@IlliniSoccer) December 10, 2024

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