CHICAGO (Nov. 7, 2023) – The UIC women's soccer team and head coach
David Nikolic have announced its four-member recruiting class for the Class of 2024. All four student-athletes recently signed their national letters of intent to play at UIC starting in the fall of 2024.
The group all hail from the Midwest, with three from Illinois and one from Wisconsin and consists of two defenders and two forwards. Three of the signees played club soccer for the Chicago FC United Girls Academy. The 2024 singing class will be joining a Flames squad that recently reached the semifinals of the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference Championship for the first time in program history.
"I am thrilled to welcome these young women to the Flames' women's soccer family," said Nikolic. "Following the success of our fall season, these additions will immediately strengthen our roster. We have been able to target specific areas in bringing these student-athletes into our program. It is important for us to retain the best local talent, and we did that by bringing in three members of our incoming class from the Chicagoland area. We also continue to look north in Wisconsin, and we are confident in adding another top talent from that state to complete this class. Versatility was a crucial factor when considering additions to our current roster, and all of them have the flexibility to contribute effectively. "
Ajla Gradjan
Chicago native and Walter Payton College Prep fordward/midfielder Ajla Gradjan is staying home to play for the Flames. Gradjan won a regional championship during the 2022-23 season with Walter Payton. Her club, Chicago FC United Girls Academy, was ranked as the number-one club team in Illinois and reached the semifinals of the State Cup.
Gradjan is a prolific scorer, leading her team in goals. Her skills earned her the honor of being part of the Starting 11 for the Month of September in 2022, and she received call-ups to the Women's U-17 Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
Nikolic on Gradjan: "We are thrilled to welcome a player with such a strong mentality and deep understanding of the game. Ajla has the ability to make things happen both when she's on the ball and through her smart runs that create space. She was recently called up to the European Qualifiers with the Bosnian National Team and can play anywhere across the front line."
Sophie Ignatowski
Sophie Ignatowski, a defender from Hartland, Wisc., played a pivotal role in leading her high school team to a regional title in 2021. During her high school career at Arrowhead Union High School, she earned All-Conference honorable mention recognition in her freshman and sophomore years and achieved First-Team All-Conference status as a junior.
At the club level, Sophie is a member of North Shore United, a team that claimed the Wisconsin State Cup Championship in 2022 and finished runner-up in the tournament two other years. In 2022, her team also won the title of USYS National League PRO Midwest Champions and finished as the runners-up at Midwest Regionals. She received the National League PRO Best XI award in Orlando in December 2022.
Nikolic on Ignatowski: "An extremely competitive and tenacious player on both sides of the ball, Sophie will bring a wealth of positive energy both on and off the field. She is dynamic in open spaces and has the potential to excel on either wing."
Olivia Ollmert
Olivia Ollmert joins the Flames as a decorated forward from Glenview, Ill. Before attending Glenbrook South High School, Ollmert was at Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia, where she was named the MVP of her JV team during her freshman year.
As a member of the Chicago FC United Girls Academy, Ollmert's team competed in the Champions League for the 2022-23 season. She was also selected to participate in the 2022 GA Mid-America Conference Talent ID Event.
In addition to her soccer achievements, Ollmert is a member of the High Honor Roll at Glenbrook South.
Nikolic on Ollmert: "Olivia is clever and tricky on the ball, and she's a dynamic attacking player who enjoys being in possession. We're excited to see her mix in with our other attacking players and what kinds of combinations can be created."
Chloe Robinson
Chloe Robinson, a defender from Lincolnshire, Ill., plays for the Chicago FC United Girls Academy.. In 2022 her team reached the Elite Eight in the Girls Academy League playoffs and was crowned the Midwest West Conference Champions.
Robinson has also received numerous individual accolades, and was recognized as one of the ECNL/GA Top Players in the Class of 2024, GA Mid America Talent ID honoree in 2021, YNT IDC participant in 2020, IMG TOP 150 selection and a Top Drawer Midwest #11 honoree. Additionally, she attended the YNT regional camp in Dallas in 2020.
Outside of soccer, Chloe excels academically as an honor roll student at Stevenson High School. Her sister, Katelyn, is a current freshman on the UIC women's soccer team.
Nikolic on Robinson: "Chloe joins us as a player with plenty of potential. She is someone who plays with great energy and determination every moment she's on the field. Her positive personality makes her a great fit, and she's ready to challenge for playing time right away."
For more information on Flames soccer, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WSOC and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wsoc and @uicflames).
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