The Illinois Springfield women's soccer program has finalized its roster for the upcoming 2025 season. The Prairie Stars welcome 11 newcomers, including a strong freshman class, as they prepare for the fall campaign.
"I'm very excited about our 2025 class. It's a strong mix of high school standouts and junior college transfers who bring both talent and experience," said Head Coach Scott Myers. "This group gives us depth and balance across every line, which will be key for our success. With players from five different states across the Midwest and South, they represent a diverse and driven group of student-athletes. I'm confident they'll make a positive impact on the field and will represent UIS in all the right ways."
Below is a breakdown of the incoming players, along with Coach Myers' insight on each student-athlete's potential impact.
Freshman Class
Madelyn Festerling | Freshman | ForwardFesterling is an elite-level goal scorer who netted more than 90 goals during her high school career at Wisconsin Lutheran.
"Madelyn is a major addition to our program from North Shore Soccer Club in Milwaukee. She'll immediately compete for a starting role and impact not only our roster but the entire GLVC. She's also an incredible person who brings a championship mindset and work ethic that will elevate our program."
A standout center back and two-sport athlete who also excelled in basketball, Laufenberg brings a physical presence and strong soccer IQ to the UIS back line.
"Julia brings a wealth of experience from both high school and club soccer. She's a high-level defender capable of shutting down attackers and adds strength to our back line—especially against aerial threats and teams who like to play through the middle."
Riley Lloyd | Freshman | Defender
Lloyd is a dynamic outside back with high-level experience in both USYSA and the Girls Academy League.
"Riley brings versatility and experience to our young back line. She's consistently defended top-tier forwards, and with several key defenders graduating, we'll count on her right away."
Maddie McGregor | Freshman | Goalkeeper
McGregor is a promising young goalkeeper with a strong technical foundation and a high ceiling. She competed with Team Chicago SC and prepped at Plainfield North, and enters UIS ready to contribute both immediately and long-term.
"Maddie is an exciting young goalkeeper who adds talent and depth to our goalkeeper group. She had an excellent club career with Team Chicago and comes into the season ready to contribute."
Ellie Mejia | Freshman | Midfield
Mejia joins from Minnesota after competing in the Girls Academy League with Tonka Fusion Elite and prepped at the Academy of Holy Angels.
"Ellie is a dynamic forward who's equally effective with her back to goal or facing forward. Ellie adds depth to both our front line and attacking midfield. She's a quiet competitor with great potential, and I'm excited to watch her grow into a key piece of our program."
Abby Roy | Freshman | Defender
Roy is a high-level defender who brings athleticism, versatility, and big-match experience from both ECNL and GA competition.
"Abby brings athleticism and the ability to play anywhere along the back line or in the midfield. She's a driven, college-ready player, and we're thrilled to add someone of her caliber to our roster."
Juliana Sather | Freshman | Defender
Sather brings strong distribution, composure, and consistent defensive play from one of the top clubs in the region.
"Juliana comes to us from the Rockford Raptors, where she competed in the ECNL and consistently performed at a high level. She's a dependable defender who excels in distribution and in stopping opposing attacks in multiple ways. Juliana is a key piece of the future for our back line, and we're excited to see her develop in our system."
Addison Wittenberg | Freshman | Forward
Wittenberg adds attacking depth and is known for her left-footed service, competitive mentality, and ability to create chances.
"Addison joins UIS after playing for both Tonka Fusion Elite and St. Croix Academy. She has an incredible left foot and will give us a dangerous option with her service into the box. Addison brings grit, determination, and a goal-scoring instinct that will make her a force on our front line for years to come. Her ability to deliver consistently will elevate our attack in the GLVC."
Transfers
Dahlianney Auguste | Junior | MidfieldAuguste joins the Prairie Stars after two strong seasons at Jefferson Community College, where she played a central role in the midfield.
"We're excited to welcome Dahlianney to UIS. She will help strengthen our lower midfield, bringing composure and technical ability to keep possession and help us build in the attack. Dahlianney is an intelligent player with excellent distribution and will make an immediate impact. We're fortunate to add her experience and leadership to our program."
Rachel Riney | Junior | Midfield
Riney arrives at UIS as another experienced central midfielder from Jefferson Community College, where she was a consistent playmaker.
"Rachel comes to UIS after two standout seasons at Jefferson, where she was a key central midfielder. She's capable of unlocking defenses with her passing and 1v1 ability, and she brings valuable college experience to help stabilize our midfield following the graduation of key midfielders. Rachel is a strong leader who will guide our younger players and elevate our play through her energy and work ethic."
Gigi Yurevich | Junior | Goalkeeper
Yurevich transferred from Maryville and joined the Prairie Stars in spring 2025, immediately bringing leadership, experience, and vocal presence to the goalkeeper position.
"Gigi was a great addition this past spring. She immediately built positive relationships and gained valuable experience. She'll serve as a mentor and communicator for the entire team and we expect her to make an immediate impact."
The season begins with the Navy & Gold Scrimmage on Friday night, Aug. 22. Key dates early in the schedule include the regular season opener at Kentucky Wesleyan on Sept. 5, the home opener against Ohio Dominican on Sept. 10, and the GLVC opener at home versus William Jewell on Sept. 14. The Prairie Stars, including 12 talented newcomers, look to put together another strong campaign in 2025.