Redbirds Head to Missouri State For Missouri Valley Conference Matchup

Photo courtesy of Ashley Piraino

NORMAL, Ill.- The journey to Illinois State wasn’t an easy one for redshirt junior transfer Indianna Asimus.

“I wouldn’t lie to you, it’s definitely tough coming in and not knowing anybody and not really knowing where Illinois was,” said Asimus. “Like when I came as freshman to Wyoming, my family came with me to drop me off so coming here was a bit weird as it was the first time I’m stepping in Illinois and I was gonna be living here for the next two years. It definitely wasn’t an easy process but I think now, looking back at it, it’s been really rewarding. I think that you always like challenges in life and honestly not the easiest parts are the most rewarding. I’m very happy to be able to score some goals, be on this team and be a part of this family. It’s been great. It hasn’t been easy but it’s definitely been super rewarding and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Asimus, who is from Teralba, New South Wales, Australia, attended the University of Wyoming and in her three seasons was able to score a total of eight goals before deciding to transfer to Illinois State University. In her short time with the Redbirds, Asimus has played 385 minutes and has started the last four games while also netting two goals in two of the Redbirds three wins this season.

Asimus expands on how it feels to come in and make an impact right away for her team.

“It’s been good, it hasn’t been an easy road that’s for sure,” said Asimus. “I was injured coming in and that was a mountain to climb but I kinda liked that. I’m really happy for the opportunity and it’s a great feeling being able to score some goals for the team and for the community and to win games. It feels really good and I’m a team player and it was such a team goal. It’s been great.”

The redshirt junior midfielder is bringing that team first mentality as the Redbirds (3-8 overall, 1-1 MVC) are on the road as they are set to take on Missouri State on Wednesday, September 29.

The Redbirds are coming into Wednesday’s matchup following a 2-1 win over Southern Illinois where they held the advantage in shots 24-13. Redbirds Head Coach Brad Silvey expanded on his team’s performance against the Salukis.

“I’m really proud of our team’s perseverance and resilience and mental toughness to overcome a lot of misses early in the first half,” said Silvey. “I thought we managed it really well–we came out flying in the second half and that was exciting for us…It’s great to get our first Valley win and first win on Adelaide. Just great to win, in general. We’re gonna enjoy this for a little bit of time and then all of our focus shifts toward Missouri State.”

The attention now shifts for the Redbirds on Wednesday afternoon as they are set to take on Missouri State who comes in with a 4-3-3 record with their most recent game resulting in a loss against Southeast Missouri State 1-0. Asimus expanded on what the Redbirds are working on leading into Wednesday’s matchup.

“We’ve really been working on communication,” said Asimus. “The communication in the last game again at SIU was really good and it keeps on improving. That definitely helped in making the team more fluid as well. So we’ve definitely been working on communication. We’ve also been working on the defense, the midfield and just being connected as a whole unit. It really helps working as a team. You don’t have to run as much individually as well and it’s what brings the best out of this team too. That’s why I think we had such a good game against SIU and got the win because we really played as a team.”

Kickoff between the Redbirds and Missouri State is set for 1 pm on Wednesday, September 29 at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield, Missouri.