McLean County Times

In honor of the 50th anniversary of NCAA Division III, Illinois Wesleyan University is showcasing stories of its athletes. One such story is that of Sasha Tylnyy, a senior forward on the men's soccer team. Tylnyy's experience at Illinois Wesleyan has been enriched by playing collegiate soccer, pursuing his career goals, and receiving support from teammates.

Originally from Ukraine, Tylnyy moved to the United States in 2016 due to his father's work. He started playing soccer in Ukraine and was part of a First Division team. "I was able to gain so much knowledge [and] was able to progress playing with those guys," he shared.

Soccer remains a passion for Tylnyy. "I just love this sport and I enjoy myself playing soccer. It is one of the best things I can experience," he said.

This season, Tylnyy has played as a reliable forward for the Titans, starting all 12 games and scoring two goals, including a game-winner against Augustana College. He also assisted Logan Shumaker's game-winning goal against Millikin University.

Tylnyy faced challenges when he joined as a freshman during the COVID-19 pandemic but credits his teammates for their support. "They are just my family," he stated.

His team stood by him when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. "When the war started I was getting a lot of support from my teammates," Tylnyy said. With their help, they raised funds for Ukrainian causes.

Academics were crucial in Tylnyy's decision to attend Illinois Wesleyan, where he studies business with a minor in finance. He appreciated the university's career fair and secured an internship with Wabtec Corporation in Chicago before being offered a full-time position after graduation.

Apart from soccer, Tylnyy is involved with Theta Chi fraternity and was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society in 2023 for his achievements both academically and athletically.

Reflecting on his journey as a Division III student-athlete, Tylnyy said: "I didn't grow just as an athlete; I grew as a person."