After starting the 2025 season 7-0 in non-conference play, Illinois (7-0) prepares for its first Big Ten matchup against Indiana (3-2-1) Friday. The Illini are also ranked No. 16 in the Top Drawer Soccer College Soccer National Rankings, an impressive accomplishment.
“It’s crazy to think how far we’ve come,” said sophomore forward Cayla Jackson. “We were sitting in film yesterday, and the seniors were saying how this is their first time ever being ranked in their four years of playing here.”
Illinois exceeded expectations left and right over the last couple of weeks. What many outside of the team thought would be a rebuilding year was quickly proven wrong. Jackson said with the Illini’s new competitive drive and strong team chemistry, they could be the Cinderella story of the season.
“Everyone here wants success and everyone wants to win,” Jackson said. “I feel like that’s the key difference between this team versus what it was.”
The Hultin effect
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Jackson highlighted head coach Katie Hultin as one reason behind the team’s record. Hultin’s winning attitude encourages the Illini to be the best versions of themselves.
“Every single day I’m trying to be the best version of myself, whether it’s on the field, off the field, as a friend, as a daughter, as a sister, in the classroom,” Jackson said. “She (Hultin) does so good at hopping on that and being able to hold us accountable.”
Along with a new head coach, the Illini have an almost brand-new roster this year. The Illinois roster features five transfers, including Jackson, and 12 freshmen. Building team chemistry is the first step to success for a group of new teammates.
The lack of team chemistry is one reason outside opinions doubted the Illini this year. But Hultin’s love for the program helped foster an environment where the team has faith in one another. Jackson said that although Hultin’s coaching style can be “hyper-intense,” it’s perfect.
“She’s saying everything out of love,” Jackson said. “She does very well at caring so much that it makes you want to care even more.”
Finding a place in Champaign
Jackson credits her on-field improvements to the positive culture Hultin created. Hultin reassured her that all she expects from her on the field is to do what she does best.
“I feel like the number one thing is my confidence and my swagger feel back,” Jackson said. “Coming from a place where everything was overly structured, I wasn’t able to just play freely because I knew I was going to get scrutinized for it. Then, coming here, Katie was like ‘I brought you here because I want you to do what you do best.’”
In her last season at Georgia, Jackson only scored one goal the entire year. At Illinois, she’s put three into the back of the net in the first seven games. Jackson said her sense of direction, soccer IQ and ability to take chances on the field have all improved.
“Katie always says feedback is a gift,” Jackson said. “… they’ll tell me ‘You need to work on this and you need to get better at this,’ which I feel helps me so much.”
Never satisfied
While the Illini are undefeated, there is still room for growth moving forward. Jackson mentioned that a place for improvement is learning to pick moments of execution. Everyone is hungry to make a play, which can lead to frustration on the field.
“I think the frustration piece comes from us not being completely aligned,” Jackson said. “But, we give ourselves grace because we all just started playing together.”
Continuing to build on what the team is already good at is necessary. Right now, Illinois is solid in switching its point of attack and completing interchanges. Jackson said watching the team grow from the beginning of the season is exciting.
“It’s finally clicking, which is so nice,” Jackson said. “I feel like we finally are starting to get the flow of play, and I’m excited to see how we do versus Big Ten teams because I feel like the timing is now, and it’s honestly working so well in our favor.”
Facing the Big Ten
Friday is the start of the big test of the year for Illinois. Big Ten play is where this squad can prove they can play with some of the best. Not only is Jackson excited to play her club teammates, but she is also ready to execute in this new conference.
“We know the weight that comes with Big Ten play,” Jackson said. “I’m pretty excited to get in and prove myself and see how I do compared to the best of the best.”
While every matchup matters, Jackson is ready to play Michigan and Michigan State the most.
“I was choosing between Illinois and Michigan when I committed,” Jackson said. “It’ll be nice to go back up there, and I know Michigan State plays soccer really well. I’m excited to see two competitive teams driving and playing against each other.”
Before facing those two teams down the line, the Illini are ready to host the Hoosiers Friday at Demirjian Park at 7 p.m.
