After 14 years of dedication to the UIS women’s soccer program—five as a standout student-athlete and nine as head coach—Erin Egolf bid farewell to the Prairie Stars, paving the way for new leadership.
Scott Myers, an experienced coach with over two decades in the field, has taken the reins as head coach, bringing fresh energy and vision to the team.
Myers joins UIS with an impressive coaching résumé spanning NCAA divisions and club teams across the nation. Most recently, he served as Technical Director at Fusion Soccer Club in Minnesota, with previous coaching stints at Illinois State University, Coe College, and Menlo College, where he earned both regional and national success. Myers also boasts experience as an assistant coach at Embry Riddle and the University of Redlands.
In addition to Myers, the team has welcomed new assistant coach Jake Edwards. Edwards, who hails from Ellesmere Port, England, comes with diverse coaching experience in both the U.S. and Europe. He has worked with teams such as Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Warrington Wolves Women’s FC in the UK, Toronto FC II & Academy, and Elche CF Academy in Spain. Holding a UEFA B License and FA Youth Award, Edwards has been coaching since 2007, and his international perspective will undoubtedly add value to the Prairie Stars.
Balancing change with stability
As the season kicks off, head coach Myers spoke candidly about his goals for the team. “The goals for this season are like any other: improving our overall level and aiming for one more win than last year. The senior and 5th year classes provide leadership, but we also have some great young talent that will help shape our future.”
Myers acknowledged that the biggest challenge so far has been timing, noting that he didn’t have the opportunity to personally connect with players before the season started. “Building relationships while managing training is a delicate balance,” Myers explained, but he remains focused on aligning his strategic vision with the athletic department’s aim of making UIS a premier NCAA Division II program in the Midwest.
New talent joins roster
The 2024 season also marks the arrival of nine promising freshmen: defenders Taylor Batt, Reagyn Messenger, and Makenna Yeager; midfielders Kalli Drexler and Abbie Gleason; and forwards Mallory Herber, Ellie Najarro, Reese Lowery, and Rowan Severson. This new talent will undoubtedly play a key role as the team navigates the season ahead.
Early matches: A mixed start
The Prairie Stars kicked off their season with two non-conference games. On Thursday, September 5, UIS earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Findlay. UIS struck first, with defender Anna Schurz netting her first goal of the season in the 23rd minute. Findlay responded in the 79th minute with an equalizer from Sydney Noble. Despite a strong performance from UIS, the game ended in a tie.
Three days later, on Sunday, September 8, the team faced a tough challenge against a dominant University of Central Missouri squad, falling 4-0. UIS struggled to keep pace after Central Missouri’s early goals, with Caroline Cole scoring in the 11th minute and Lexi Ruf adding another just minutes later. Two more goals from Mikayla Ernst in the first half sealed the game. Though UIS managed eight shots, only three were on target, led by senior Abby Dellamorte’s three attempts.
Looking ahead
Senior Katelyn Cavanaugh reflected on the team’s early performances, noting the importance of learning from these initial challenges. “The scores don’t reflect who we truly are. We created some great chances offensively but couldn’t capitalize. We’re still adjusting to the changes, but we’re growing stronger as a team.”
Cavanaugh remains optimistic, focusing on continuous improvement. “Going forward, we’ll use our mistakes as lessons. The journey isn’t perfect, but we’re embracing it and will approach the next game with more grit, passion, and discipline.”
The Prairie Stars will face Ohio Dominican University on Wednesday, September 11, followed by William Jewell College on Sunday, September 15. Fans can catch the team back at home on Friday, September 20, when they take on Truman State University.
