Illini Replay: Leisha Alcia

Leisha Alcia (Image courtesy of UI Athletics)

Goalkeeper Leisha Alcia made life difficult for opposing offenses 15 years ago. In 2003, Alcia set school records for the most shutouts in a season (12), most consecutive shutouts (six) and most consecutive shutout minutes (631:07) during Janet Rayfield’s second season as Illinois head coach. Alcia helped the Illini finish second in the Big Ten, capture the Big Ten Tournament title and return to the NCAA Tournament. She also posted a stingy 0.54 goals-against average that remains the Illinois single-season record. The 2003 postseason was the first of 10 NCAA bids that Illinois has achieved during Rayfield’s tenure, including a memorable Elite Eight run spurred by Alcia and fellow All-Big Ten honoree Tara Hurless the following fall.