Jillian Ellis was the first Illinois women's soccer coach in school history.
She only stayed for two seasons, compiling a 19-18 record during the 1997 and 1998 seasons with the Illini before moving on to UCLA.
Tonight, Ellis will coach in arguably one of her biggest soccer matches ever as coach of the United States national team. The U.S. takes on Germany at 6 p.m. in the first of two semifinal matches at the Women's World Cup, with the winner advancing to Sunday evening's final.
What do the U.S. have to do to win? Ask our Scott Richey, who caught up recently with former Illini standout Vanessa DiBernardo for her thoughts on the World Cup.