Lansing Sun

Four Michigan State University women's soccer players have been recognized by the United Soccer Coaches with All-North Region honors. The announcement was made on Tuesday.

Graduate midfielder Justina Gaynor, junior defender Maggie Illig, graduate midfielder Meg Hughes, and graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks were named to the All-North Region teams. For Illig, this marks her first All-Region honor, while Parks receives her second, and both Gaynor and Hughes collect their third.

Gaynor's achievement as a first-team selection for the second consecutive year makes her only the second Spartan in program history to earn at least three All-Region honors from the United Soccer Coaches. She joins Laura (Heyboer) Heethius, a four-time honoree and MSU Hall of Famer. A native of Shelby Township, Michigan, Gaynor was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team for the third consecutive season in 2024. Her career with MSU concludes with significant rankings in assists, points, and total goals within the university's record books.

Illig hails from Troy, Missouri, and has been named to the All-North Region Second Team following an impressive season as part of MSU's defense. She participated in all 22 matches this season for MSU and contributed significantly to their defensive success with 10 shutouts.

Hughes received Third Team All-Region recognition after previously earning two All-East Region honors at Providence. From Rochester, Massachusetts, she led her team with 20 points this season through seven goals and six assists.

Parks earns a Fourth Team honor after last being recognized in 2021 when she was part of the All-Atlantic Region First Team. Originating from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Parks made notable contributions during her time at MSU including setting records for career goals-against average and total wins among others.

The Spartans ended their season with a record of 14-3-5 overall (7-1-3 B1G) while maintaining a presence in every weekly United Soccer Coaches Poll ranking throughout 2024. They secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive years now reaching their second-straight Sweet 16 finish which ties their best performance historically.