The Bird Cage- ISU Soccer Supporters Group

June is here, and that means school is out for summer! (cue the Alice Cooper) With classes over, students are home and, for an overwhelming majority, not in Normal. While I am not a student anymore, it certainly feels different without all the Redbirds on campus and in town. With my work for the radio stations, I have been spending a lot of time in Peoria, and my hobbies have brought me there, too, with both Men's and Women's Soccer (Peoria City) playing at Shea Stadium. As a member of the 309 Supporters Group and its respective leadership team, I have found a close-knit group of like-minded people who share similar passions, particularly for soccer! We love the Carp and are unapologetically fanatic in our support! Our Supporters Group founder and president, Drew Clark, sat down with me and answered some questions regarding the 309 and supporters groups as a whole:

Trevor Arbogast- What is a Supporters Group and what is the role of a Supporters Group? 

Drew Clark- “So first off, I think a supporters group is collectively a dedicated community who goes above and beyond of its support for its local club. The role is to independently support the club, its staff, and players off the pitch and on the pitch. But the supporters group is also an embodiment of community, of cohesion.”

“Most clubs in Europe, and their supporters groups are very active in their communities, working together towards common goals. I personally feel a responsibility to bring the community together and create a fun environment where anyone is welcome.”

Trevor Arbogast- What was it like starting a Supporters Group? 

Drew Clark- “I vividly remember starting the supporters group after the first ever Peoria City match, when I witnessed a hollow environment, I decided to change that. I made a Facebook page with a goal of 250 members by 2025. I figured that was an aggressive goal, but today we stand at 907 members that are worldwide and all over the country.”

Trevor Arbogast- What's your favorite thing about leading/finding a supporters group?

Drew Clark- “My favorite thing about running this supporters group is the ability to see people develop the same amount of energy and passion that I have for the beautiful game while creating meteorites and experiences that will last for a lifetime.”

I was also lucky enough to talk to 3 members of the inaugural Peoria City Women's Soccer Team, who also play for ISU in Normal, IL. Here's what Aniya Seymore, Erika Wells, and Sammi Cenek had to say about Supporters Groups, The 309, and ISU Soccer. 

Trevor Arbogast- 

1) What does playing in front of the 309 mean to you as a player?

2) What's your favorite ISU experience on or off the field?

3) What would having a Supporters Group for Redbird matches mean to you? 

Aniya Seymore- 

1) “Playing in front of the 309 means everything. There’s something powerful about hearing familiar voices cheering us on, especially when the game gets tough. It makes you want to give everything you’ve got, not just for your teammates but for the people who show up, rain or shine, to support us. It’s a reminder that we’re not just playing a game, we’re representing something bigger than ourselves. The 309 brings the energy, and we feel it every time we step on the field.”

2) “It’s hard to choose just one, but some of my favorite memories come from the little moments with the team like late night bus rides after away games, celebrating a goal on the field, blasting music in the locker room before games and after a win, or even just laughing through hard practices. One of the best moments, though, was walking out onto Adelaide for the first time after returning from injury. That feeling of finally being back with my team, in our home stadium, is something I’ll never forget.”

3) “Having a dedicated supporters group would be incredible. It would mean more noise, more energy, and more community. It would show that people are truly invested in what we’re building here, and it would push us to fight even harder every game. Knowing that there’s a group of people who are behind us not just as athletes but as people, that kind of support means the world. It would make match days feel even more special and help create a culture that lasts beyond just one season.”

Erika Wells- 

1) “Playing in front of the 309 means everything to me. Wearing Illinois State on my jersey isn’t just about the school but about the people, coaches, family, and supporters that have made this dream and this sports team at ISU possible. Wearing the crest and hearing the 309 cheering makes every little moment feel so much bigger. Playing for this community and for the people who love us, soccer, and Illinois State is incredible! Playing in front of the 309 creates the best atmosphere! Soccer isn’t just about the game but it’s about everything else that comes with it! So  thankful for the people who bring passion and excitement to our games!”

2) “My favorite ISU soccer experience on the pitch would have to be scoring the game winning goal in the 2024 MVC tournament against UNI to send us on to the 2nd round against UIC! It was my favorite moment for many reasons- it was the first time I scored a collegiate goal but also it was a moment where time truly slowed down. I felt as if I was truly helping connect Redbird soccer back to the past and some of the alumni greats that wore the ISU crest. Also getting to get that tournament win after not having one in a long time felt amazing- the celebrations after the game and with my teammates, coaches, alumni, and family was awesome!”

 3) “Having a supporters group for Redbird matches would mean the world to me and my teammates! It’s not just about “filling the stands” or having people stay for a free shirt but it means so much more to have people that root for us through the good and the bad. Having Supporters that show up and cheer for us day in and day out makes all the difference. These supporters aren’t just spectators they are people that have the ability to help change the momentum in a game. These are the people whose cheers and chants allow us to push through when we think we have nothing left. Having a supporters group would truly help Redbird soccer keep climbing to the next level!”

Sammi Cenek- 

1) “Coming from a kid who is from Peoria and has grown up playing here my whole life. Staying in the 309 to play colligate soccer was an easy choice for me. I knew I wanted to stay closer to home and play in front of familiar faces. It’s a true blessing getting to play in front of the 309 on my college team but also now throughout the summer. The support from my family, friends, and community is something special and not everyone can say they are this supported. Soccer is more than just a sport and our support systems reminds us of that everyday. We are very lucky and I am beyond grateful to play in front of such a supportive community.”

2) “I would say my favorite ISU experience so far was getting named captain Spring of my sophomore year. The role I have on our team is something I will cherish long after my soccer career and has been a true blessing. Being named a leader of such a great group has definitely been the most memorable memory and experience for me and I will never forget this opportunity I’ve been given.”

3) “Growing up in a community where only men’s sports were highlighted was very hard. Men’s high school and college games in the 309 would be sold out and the women’s games would barely have enough to fill a row in the stands. Having a supporter group for my colligate team would mean so much to me because this support is something I have waited for, for my entire life. Playing a sport that isn’t the most popular to watch, along with being a woman is very hard. Women’s soccer is overlooked time and time again so having a consistent supportive group at our games and throughout our season would mean the world to my teammates and I. This is something I have wanted since I started my sport and I would be so grateful and excited if it were to happen.”

Trevor Arbogast- I am excited to announce effective immediately that The Bird Cage is officially the first Supporters Group in ISU Soccer History! Free to join and no obligatory meetings, anybody who has an interest can be a part of the Supporters Group; The Bird Cage! We will make our official debut this fall at the first match and would love to see you join us behind the north goal. Everyone is welcome! Follow the Instagram account, stay tuned, and ROLL DAMN BIRDS!!!