McLean County Times

Illinois State University announced that it will retire the number 14 jersey of former soccer player Rachel Tejada during the 2026 season. The announcement was made at halftime during the team’s Alumni Weekend and the 30th Anniversary season celebration.

Tejada, a member of the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame, expressed her appreciation for the honor. "I am deeply humbled and filled with gratitude to have my No. 14 retired at Illinois State – the place that became my home away from home. I wouldn't have been the person or player I am without the love, support, and sacrifices of so many along the way. Sharing the moment Sunday with my family, my coaches, my teammates, and so many fellow alumni made it even more special. This is an honor beyond words, and one I will cherish forever."

The retirement of Tejada’s No. 14 marks only the second time a uniform number has been retired in Illinois State soccer history. The other retired number belongs to Julie Heidecke (No. 13).

Rachel Tejada is recognized as one of the most accomplished players in both Illinois State and Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) women’s soccer history. She was inducted into the MVC Hall of Fame in 2023 and remains unique as the only player in MVC history to be named Conference Player of the Year four times. Tejada was also selected four times for first-team All-MVC honors and received MVC All-Tournament recognition every year she played.

During her tenure with Illinois State, Tejada helped lead her team to three MVC regular-season championships and four consecutive MVC tournament titles. Under her leadership, Illinois State qualified for four NCAA tournament appearances, including notable wins against Louisville in 2013 and South Florida in 2014.

Tejada continues to hold career records at both Illinois State and within the MVC for goals (74), assists (42), and points (190). She also holds conference single-season records for goals (21 in 2011) and points (54 in 2014), along with several school records for single-season performance.

In her first year with Illinois State, Tejada became the program’s first All-America honoree by being named to Soccer America’s All-Freshman team. She earned NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region First Team honors that same year and followed up with two Second-Team selections in subsequent seasons.

Academically, Tejada was recognized on multiple occasions: she made NSCAA Academic All-American Third Team in 2014 and twice received CoSIDA Academic All-District V First-Team honors.

In 2015, Tejada became a professional draft pick when she was selected by the Chicago Red Stars as their fourth-round pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft.

Former head coach Drew Roff commented on Tejada’s impact: "Rachel's impact on the Redbird Soccer Program is unparalleled, and I'm thrilled to see her get recognized with the highest honor in team sports. Her ability and winning mentality elevated our program to new heights, and she was the driving force behind the most successful era in program history. Our players and coaching staff knew that no matter who we played, the best player on the field was on our team, and that made us all dream a little bigger."

He continued: "What makes Rachel's legacy so special is that it extends beyond all the goals, assists, conference championships, and NCAA Tournament wins. What I appreciate the most about her career is her investment. She invested in her development, her teammates, her coaches, and in Illinois State University. She knew she wanted to accomplish big things, and she knew who she wanted to accomplish them with. No matter how many records she broke or how many accolades she received, there was never any doubt that the team's success was what gave her the most joy. Rachel isn't just a Redbird legend for what she did; she is a Redbird legend for who she is."

Current head coach Raleigh DeRose added: "I am thrilled to retire Rachel's number. She is one of the most talented and decorated players to ever wear a Redbird jersey.

"Her talents, competitiveness, passion, and love for Redbird soccer are inspiring and set a great example for the current players."

"We are so thankful for her commitment to this tradition of Redbird soccer and how she has contributed to such a rich history. Her legacy will live on here forever, and it is such an amazing way to honor that legacy by retiring her number."