An Aurora University memorial soccer game Saturday, Sept. 11, provided spotlight for a late school alum and four-year soccer player.
On the 10th anniversary of her passing, the Chelsea Lloyd Memorial Soccer Classic was held Saturday, Sept. 11, at Spartan Athletic Park in Montgomery. Chelsea (1982-2011) died suddenly at her Hoffman Estates home.
Al Benson/The Voice
School District U-46 photo
John Lloyd of North Aurora, Chelsea’s father and Aurora University professor emeritus of biology, attended Saturday’s game. He retired last year after a 21-year career at AU, where he taught courses in anatomy and physiology to nursing, biology/health science, and athletic-training students. He served as a faculty advisor to AU Science Club and Mu Sigma Pi health sciences fraternity.
North Central College won the 10th anniversary game, 2-1 in double overtime. The classic was canceled last year due to the pandemic.
After a moment of silence for victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States the game announcer and director of athletic communications, Brian Kipley opened the event by giving a chronicle of Chelsea’s life.
He said, “The Chelsea Lloyd Memorial Classic is held in honor of Aurora University graduate and four-year Spartan Chelsea Lloyd who tragically lost her life in 2011. She is missed by all that had the honor of meeting her.
“Chelsea was an amazing person who dedicated her life to being a first-rate teacher and coach. The soccer tournament held in her memory each year provides current students to keep her spirit alive.
“The Chelsea Lloyd Scholarship was established as a memory to Chelsea following her untimely death Sept. 6, 2011. Chelsea was born June 17, 1982 in Akron, Ohio. She graduated from Crystal Lake South High School in 2000 and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Aurora University in 2004 and 2008.
“At Aurora University, she majored in health and physical education K-12 and played varsity soccer all four years. After graduating, Chelsea obtained a teaching position (In Elgin’s School District U-46) at Ellis Middle School teaching health and physical education and coaching a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
“In 2010 she moved to (U-46)Tefft Middle School as a health and physical education teacher, while beginning her high school coaching at (U-46) Streamwood High School as the women’s varsity head soccer coach and the men’s junior varsity soccer coach.
“Chelsea’s family wishes to honor her commitment to education and her love of her students with this endowed fund that will provide scholarship support to students who are attending Aurora University.”
Donations may be sent to the Chelsea Lloyd Women’s Soccer Fund, c/o Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, IL. 60506.
—Al Benson