ALLENDALE – Grand Valley State women's soccer head coach Katie Hultin has been named the new head women's soccer coach at Illinois. Hultin went 45-7-19 overall and 26-3-13 in the GLIAC in three seasons at Grand Valley State. 
 
"Coaching at Grand Valley has been one of the greatest honors of my life," said Katie Hultin. "To the players: thank you for your unwavering buy-in, your tireless work ethic, and your contribution to building extraordinary culture. You are truly special, and this program is what it is because of you. To my coaching staff: your commitment to excellence, your dedication to the growth of every student-athlete, and your love for this program have been nothing short of inspiring. Lastly, thank you to Keri and the administration for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey. Your trust made all of this possible." 
 
"We would like to thank Katie Hultin for her leadership of the GVSU women's soccer program, said athletic director Keri Becker. "She is a phenomenal coach and even better human who gave our student-athletes a chance at success every day. We are grateful to have had her as a Laker and will cheer for her continued success at Illinois."
 
Hultin guided the Lakers to back-to-back Midwest regional championships in the 2024 and 2023 season. GVSU made the NCAA tournament in all three years under Hultin, making three Sweet 16 appearances, and two elite eight appearances. Hultin coached four All-Americans and 12 All-Region performers in her time at GVSU. She was named the 2022 GLIAC Coach of the Year after leading the Lakers to a GLIAC regular season and tournament championship in her first season as head coach.
 
This past season, Hultin guided GVSU to a 15-1-8 overall record and an 8-1-5 GLIAC mark. The Lakers would capture the Midwest regional championship for the 17^th time in program history. Hultin coached five All-Region performers, seven All-GLIAC performers, and the GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year.
 
In the 2023 season, GVSU went 14-4-6 overall and 8-1-5 in the GLIAC. Hultin led GVSU to a Midwest regional championship. Two Lakers were named All-Americans, with three earning all-region honors, and six all-conference honors.
 
In her first season as head coach at GVSU, Hultin led the Lakers to a GLIAC regular season and tournament championship. Hultin coached the GLIAC Offensive, Defensive, and Goalkeeper of the year in the 2022 season. Two Lakers were named All-Americans, while four were named first team All-Region performers, and eight All-GLIAC performers.
 
"As I look forward to an exciting new chapter at Illinois, I will carry with me the lessons, memories, and relationships from my time here at Grand Valley," added Hultin. "Thank you all for making this such an unforgettable experience."