URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois rising senior Lia Howard ended her summer as a national runner-up with the NC Courage USLW team.

During the summer, Howard joined the league’s defending champions to both train and compete ahead of her senior year with the Illini. Although the Courage successfully reclaimed their title as Eastern Conference champions, they fell short in the national championship, losing to Utah United.

“Stepping out of your comfort zone is truly rewarding,” Howard expressed. “I was a bit anxious since I had played on Long Island for the last two summers, and being from there, I felt very at ease in that environment. However, living independently in Raleigh, meeting new people, and gaining insights from different perspectives and a fresh approach to soccer was an incredible experience. It was fantastic.”

During her junior season, Howard had three goals and a team-leading four assists.