Ohio State’s women’s soccer team and coaching staff pose after winning the Big Ten regular-season championship. The Buckeyes defeated Illinois 3-0 win on Oct. 25, 2026. Credit: Brianna Mentzer | Freelance Photographer.
Amanda Schlueter had waited four years for the final whistle Sunday.
When it came, the Ohio State senior captain finally had the championship she had been chasing.
The No. 3 Buckeyes defeated Illinois 3-0 to secure their first outright Big Ten regular-season title since 2017, giving Ohio State’s 10 seniors a milestone they had spent their entire Buckeye careers working toward.
“I just couldn’t believe it was finally real,” Schlueter said. “That’s something I’ve wanted to do all four years. I mean, I have chills talking about it.”
The Buckeyes previously shared the Big Ten regular-season title in 2010 before claiming its first outright championship in 2017. Sunday’s victory marks another milestone for a program that has built its success this season on consistency, leadership and strong performances throughout conference play.
“I think just putting our name in the books somewhere. Obviously in our last season, we can keep doing that as the postseason goes,” senior captain Ava Bramblett said. “The regular season is one of the hardest things to win, so we’re really excited about it.”?
For Ohio State’s 10 seniors, Sunday’s win, resulting in the Buckeyes’ conference regular-season title, marked the culmination of four years of work, challenges and growth, giving the group an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the program’s history.
“The adversity that our seniors have seen throughout their whole career. This is a group that got their tail kicked a few years back when they were freshmen,” head coach Lori Walker-Hock said. “I think that game in and game out, they continue to focus on all the right things.”?
Entering this matchup, the No. 3 Buckeyes held a 13-1-1 overall record and a 9-1 mark in conference play. Ohio State also remained undefeated at home all season.
Ohio State’s success extended beyond its offensive production. The Buckeyes’ opponents were held to just seven goals throughout this season and senior goalkeeper, Peighton Northrup led the conference in save percentage.?
“I think the way that our team shows up and competes every day makes a huge difference,” Walker-Hock said. “Whether we’re doing a simple passing pattern to, you know, an actual competitive game, I think that they show up and they try and bring the best of themselves.”
The Buckeyes suffered their only loss on the road against UCLA on Sept. 17. Sunday’s win over Illinois marked eight straight wins since the team’s lone loss.
In Sunday’s game, Ohio State took an early lead when Schlueter scored in the 19th minute. Ohio State extended its lead with an Illinois own goal in the 21st minute. Senior midfielder Elle Britt then extended the lead in the 84th minute with the goal that sealed the victory.?
As the final whistle sounded, the Buckeyes embraced one another on the field, celebrating a championship nine years in the making.
With the regular-season championship secured, the Buckeyes now turn their attention to the Big Ten Tournament, which begins Wednesday, Nov. 4.?
“Everything is a moment in time, and you celebrate and enjoy what you accomplished,” Walker-Hock said. “Then you have to roll up your sleeves and get back to work.”
