Illinois Futbol Club

Playing/Coaching Experience:

Mary Therese began playing competitive soccer at the age of 8 in the suburbs of Chicago.  She grew up playing for the Windy City Pride soccer club, where she won 3 Illinois state titles, 2 Regional titles, and made 2 visits to the National Championship.  Mary Therese went on to be a 4-year starter at the University of Illinois, where she received many accolades, including Scholar-Athlete All-American and Big Ten Medal of Honor.  After college, Mary Therese was drafted to the New Jersey Sky Blue to play professionally in the inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Soccer League.  She then returned home to play for the Chicago Red Stars, and later made a visit with the St. Louis Athletica.  Mary Therese has been and is currently a key squad member of the Irish National Team, having earned 16 CAPs in the past 4 years.  Mary Therese has been coaching at the youth level since 2005, having worked various camps and clinics for Division I soccer programs, as well as professional team organizations.  She joined the Illinois FC coaching staff in the fall of 2011 and is assisting with the U18 Girls team.

Coaching Philosophy:

Mary Therese believes that success on the soccer field can be achieved through hard work, commitment, teamwork, competitiveness, and enjoyment.  She also believes that these qualities will not only develop quality soccer players, but will also foster personal growth and character development off the field.  Mary Therese is happy and excited to give young female players an experienced, qualified female coach to relate to and to push them to accomplish their goals.

Assistant Coach