NCE Soccer is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Kayla Pardini, a standout player from our training programs, who has committed to play soccer at the University of Illinois starting in August 2025. Her journey through the ranks of youth soccer to securing a spot at a prestigious NCAA Division I program is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the support she received from NCE Soccer.

Choosing the University of Illinois

Kayla’s commitment to the University of Illinois is a result of her impressive performance during an ECNL showcase event, where her skills caught the attention of college scouts. “During an ECNL showcase event, they were one of the schools that came to watch my club team play. I started doing research on many of the colleges that came and Illinois was always towards the top of my list,” Kayla shared. The combination of a strong soccer program, top-notch coaching, a challenging NCAA conference, and a solid academic reputation made Illinois an ideal choice for her.

Academic and Athletic Aspirations

Planning to study Exercise Science/Kinesiology, Kayla is eager to challenge herself both academically and athletically at Illinois. “I like to keep challenging and pushing myself, and I know I will get that with athletics and academics at Illinois,” she stated. Her drive to excel in all areas of her life aligns perfectly with the values and training philosophy at NCE Soccer.

Soccer Beginnings and Club Journey

Kayla’s soccer journey began at the tender age of 3½, inspired by her father who played and coached soccer. From playing intramural soccer near her home to joining her local travel team, and eventually moving to more competitive clubs like ISA soccer, which later became SUSA, Kayla’s development has been marked by a continuous upward trajectory.

Finding Her Position

Central midfield is where Kayla thrives, enjoying the dynamic role that allows her to influence the game on both ends of the field. “I enjoy playing in the central midfield so I can play on both sides of the ball. I feel like I can see the game best from here and also you’re always involved in the play,” she explained.

The NCE Soccer Impact

Kayla’s involvement with NCE Soccer began at around 9½ years old. She benefited greatly from the additional training, particularly during the winter months, and valued the extra weekly sessions in spring and fall. “It was great being able to get additional training outside of my club team,” she said. Highlights of her NCE Soccer experience include participating in the NCE Select Squad Tournaments and attending the DeSales Summer training camp, her first taste of what college life might be like.

The professional trainers at NCE Soccer, played a crucial role in her development. “John Curtis and some of the other trainers always pushed us and gave me new ideas to think about on the field that I wouldn’t have thought of. They just brought a different perspective that I had not known yet,” Kayla noted.

Development and Progress

NCE Soccer has been instrumental in Kayla’s growth as a player. The exposure to high-level coaching and training alongside highly motivated peers pushed her to improve continually. “It was great to learn from the NCE Soccer professional trainers, who taught me different ways to train and drills to work on,” Kayla recalled. The rigorous and supportive environment at NCE Soccer ensured she was always at her best, ready to take on new challenges.

Future Aspirations

Kayla’s immediate goals include achieving team success with her high school and club teams, with an eye on making a significant impact at the University of Illinois. “Beyond that, I’m so excited and looking forward to playing at the University of Illinois. It’s in a very competitive conference, the Big 10, and it’s only going to be getting stronger as other teams are joining the Big 10 soon,” she shared. She also harbors aspirations of playing professionally after college.

Starting at Illinois

Kayla will begin her journey at the University of Illinois in August 2025, with a bright future ahead in both academics and athletics. Her story is a shining example of the opportunities and growth fostered by NCE Soccer, and we are immensely proud of her accomplishments.

For more success stories and to learn about our comprehensive training programs, visit NCE Soccer Programs.