Saluki soccer SIU women's soccer program prepares to launch this fall

Women's soccer lands on the SIU campus in just a few weeks.

The first home soccer game is not until Aug. 19, but the Dawgs kick things off at Cookeville, Tenn., Aug. 11 against Tennessee Tech. That's an exhibition game, as is another away game at Illinois-Chicago Aug. 13.

But it is the home game against SEMO at the to-be rapidly refurbished field (located right next to Itchy Jones baseball field) that may draw a huge crowd for its enormously historic importance.

And the Saluki players know it, too. That's a big reason most chose SIU, besides their love of the game.

"I chose SIU not just for the great coaches," said 2019 recruit Sam DeJulio, "but also to be a part of the first women's soccer team and help build the program."

Of the freshman signed, 13 specifically mentioned that as one of their reasons for inking with the Dawgs. Even new coach Grant Williams is excited to do something no one else has attempted at SIU.

"The biggest frustration for me is waiting for August to get here," said Williams. "This will be historic. I feel a responsibility - it's not just another job."

But before the start, SIU's neophyte soccer program has to have a place to play.

The home games will be played on the artificial surface of a field that is encircled by the SIU track and field team's running surface. So some things will have to be added to convert it into a D-I soccer home.

"Major construction has started on the locker rooms, a new press box and extending the bleacher seating to accommodate the larger crowds," said Williams.

But what will those larger crowds see starting Aug. 19?

"I especially like the talent level we have attracted and signed," said Williams. "About 15 or 18 of the new freshmen have experience in the ECNL."

That acronym stands for Elite Club National League. The ECNL is the highest level of youth soccer in the United States.

Because of the amount of freshmen on the 2019 team, this year's schedule not only includes three non-counting exhibition games, but no Valley teams will be played until the 2020 season.

That was done intentionally since SIU will not be eligible for official league play for one year.

"I wanted to show the team that games really matter - and MVC ones wouldn't this season," said Williams. "Next year's games will hopefully be more relevant."