Western Illinois University Signs Seven Women To Soccer Team
The Western Illinois women’s soccer team added seven recruits to their 2025 Class on National Signing Day. The team adds depth on both sides of the field including a goalkeeper, defensive midfielders, and forwards.
Perla Rios is a Center Defensive Midfielder from Muscatine, Iowa and most recently played at Iowa Central Community College. Rios was named to the Honorable Mention All-Region team as well as First Team Academic All-Region team her freshman year at ICCC. As a Sophomore, she was named to the Region 11 All-Tournament team and was First-Team All-Conference.
“I chose WIU because of the campus and facilities, and the coaching staff, the team atmosphere felt like a family and I am excited to join WIU!” said Rios.
Anaiya Morris is a forward from Pickering, Ontario. Her cousin, Greg, played in the CFL for the Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Argonauts. She played four years of club soccer for the Pickering Football Club and was involved in the Black Student Association in High School. Morris chose WIU because of the team culture and the excellent academic opportunities.
Abigail Schilling is a Central Attacking Midfielder from Perryville, Missouri. She attended St. Vincent High School where she received All-District and All-Conference Honors scoring 14 goals and having 21 assists her Junior year. She was also a district champion in 2023 and has played club soccer since 2020 with Lou Fusz Athletic.
“I chose WIU because of the welcoming and friendly environment established by the coaches and team. Macomb felt like a home away from home, and the camaraderie within the program is something that I’m excited to be a part of.” said Schilling.
Tyra Sterling is a Striker from Hamilton Ontario. She has won two championships with Hamilton United OPDL in 2023 at the Disney Showcase and Charity Shield events. Sterling also was involved in gymnastics in high school and has played two years of club soccer with Rush Canada. “I chose WIU because I felt an immediate connection to not only the school, but also the team as well.” said Tyra.
The next Leatherneck to join the team is Elise Grant, a Midfielder/forward from Peoria, Illinois. Grant’s Parents, Jeanette and Jake, both graduated from WIU in 1998. Grant has had success at the high school level being named to the Mid-Illini first-team All Conference teams in 2023 and 2024 as a Sophomore and Junior. She was also named to the Chicagoland Soccer All-State Watch List as well as Peoria Journal Star All-Area 1st Team in 2023. In 2024, Grant led her team in goals and assists and has led her team in assists in all three years of her high school career. She has helped her team win Regionals in 2022 and 2023 as well as a Sectional title in 2022.
“I chose Western because of the competitive environment in the OVC and the strong support I felt right away from the players and coaches in this program. I also appreciate being close to home, so my family can continue to watch me play!” said Grant.
Mahelee Caron is a goalkeeper from Saint-Jerome, Canada. As a Junior, Caron was named to the NEPSAC honorable mention team and played in the NEPSAC All-League all star game. She has played three years of club soccer with As blainvilee. Mahelee also played basketball in high school where she helped her team win the 8-Peak basketball championship.
“I chose Western because it reminded me of my current boarding school and I could see myself there for four years. I loved the environment and it seemed healthy and I was already seeing myself with them. It was also very clear that the staff cared about the players and it immediately made me feel safe. ” said Caron.
The final Leatherneck to join the team is Madeline Stickelmaier, a midfielder from Peoria, Illinois. Her dad, John, played soccer at St. Ambrose in Davenport, Iowa and her cousin, Ben Hermes, played golf at WIU from 1999-2002. Stickelmaier attends Peoria Notre Dame High School where she was named to the Big 12 All Conference 2nd Team and All Area Watch List as a Junior. As a Sophomore she was named to the Big 12 All Conference 2nd Team Honorable Mention and All Area Watchlist. She has played club soccer for 11 years with several different clubs.
“I chose WIU because I love the size of the campus, the bond among the women’s soccer team, and how welcoming they were.” said Madeline.
