Katie Hultin, the head coach of the University of Illinois women's soccer program, has announced the hiring of Eric Rossitch as an assistant coach. The move is framed as a strategic step to reinforce the team's competitive edge and community orientation as the program charts a path of sustained growth.
A Coach With Proven Success
Rossitch arrives after a series of high‑impact roles, including head coaching stints with the Minnesota Aurora of the USL W league and FC Olympia in Washington, where he captured a division championship. His tenure at Seattle Reign FC in the NWSL also saw him contribute to a roster that consistently finished among the league's best, a track record that aligns with Illinois' ambition to compete at the highest level.
Beyond win‑loss columns, Rossitch is known for nurturing talent that has earned call‑ups to national youth identification camps. Former internationals such as Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle have cited his influence in their development, underscoring his ability to blend technical instruction with a competitive mindset.
The coach holds a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's in communication from the University of Washington. He will relocate to Champaign with his nine‑year‑old Siberian husky, Lana, signaling a personal commitment to integrating into the local community.
Hultin emphasized that Rossitch's arrival dovetails with the program's focus on trust, long‑term planning, and building a sustainable culture. "We are excited to welcome a coach whose professional journey reflects the values we cherish," Hultin said in the announcement.