Panther student-athletes and the Eastern Illinois community constantly support each other, but no cause was greater to rally around during the 2018 women's soccer season than the Hope for Hannah game.

Current women's soccer player Hannah Heinz was diagnosed with cancer during the Panthers spring soccer season in 2018 after contributing to a solid spring exhibition campaign for EIU.  Heinz battled the disease and returned to be around the team in the fall but not on the active roster. 

In her honor, EIU played the Hope for Hannah match on Oct. 11 against Southeast Missouri with players wearing Green Soccer socks to show support in the fight against cancer.  Fans were able to purchase a special shirt or make donations directly to St. Jude's Children Hospital which helped Hannah with her fight.