IRVINE, Calif.-- UC Irvine women's soccer adds one final graduate to the roster with Lilli Rask's versatile style returning to the pitch.
 
The versatile star has flexed her muscles all over the pitch for UC Irvine over the last two seasons playing up front, in the middle third, and commanding the backline as well. The Tustin native began with two years at the University of Oregon playing just one with her 2020 year cut down by COVID-19.

"I couldn't be more excited to return for a fifth year! It was a no-brainer for me. Having the opportunity to play another season with this team and get my master's degree is a dream come true. We've been able to achieve a lot over these past two years and to continue that momentum is something this program is striving to continue to accomplish. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to continue to help push this program and team to achieve all of our goals. We have a really exciting team this year and a lot of experience returning which is very exciting. The camaraderie among this team is some of the best I've ever been a part of. And I feel so lucky to play alongside my best friends. There's been a lot of work behind the scenes that's helped shape this team into what it is and more work to help build what it will be. Looking forward to the all. Going to be an exciting season!"

Rask will be busy off the field pursuing her master's degree at the Paul Merage School of Business in entrepreneurship and innovation.

"So happy that Lilli is coming back," lauded head coach Scott Juniper. "She is extremely versatile and could play a number of positions for us in 2023. Lilli has never played a season where we didn't make the NCAA Tournament so she's aiming for number three."
 
The athletic 5-7 star has played 40 matches over the last two years with 28 starts. She had her best statistical year with eight points in 2022 off three goals and two assists. She had a goal and assist in 2021, but has done most of her damage at UC Irvine while manning the backline.