Michigan State University alumni are popular with the addition of this defender joining the Sporting JAX Super League roster in January 2026. Before entering into the collegiate scene, Illig was a four-year letterwinner at Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri where she led her team with 20 goals in her junior season. She earned First Team All-Conference, All-District and All-Region honors while at Buchanan and took home the Missouri State Cup championship in every season of her career.

While at Michigan State University, Illig, who had the opportunity to play alongside current Sporting JAX goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks and midfielder Meg Hughes, racked up over 5,000 minutes of play time with 66 starts in 81 appearances. She earned an impressive 13 accolades and awards during her four years including two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region pick and All-Big Ten selection, and was on the 2025 Hermann Trophy Watch List. With the addition of Illig in the back field, Sporting JAX will continue to maintain a strong defensive stand on the pitch.