Top 2025 recruit Cearah Parchment commits to Illinois

Top 2025 forward Cearah Parchment of Fort Erie (Ontario) Fort Erie International Academy has committed to Illinois, she told On3. She chose the Fighting Illini over Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota. 

“Illinois has been there, of course, since literally the beginning of my recruiting process,” Parchment told On3. “I just really think that they’re building something really special there. They’re going to have a lot of seniors graduating this year, so there’s gonna be a lot of chances to build a winning program. I think I want to be able to be put in that environment where we just kind of have to build up. I think I can just have an immediate impact when I go.”

The relationships she’s formed with the coaching staff over the years was crucial in her decision.

“The entire staff is awesome,” Parchment said. “They’ve been there since the beginning. Coach [Shauna] Green just sees a lot of potential in me, and still, I have more space to grow. I think just with Coach Green and the entire coaching staff, I think I could really do that.”

Parchment is a versatile player who can really see herself fitting into Illinois’ play style.

“I’m a versatile player, I’d say,” Parchment said. “So I think I could really help them benefit and help me benefit just from being able to guard multiple positions. Offensively, I can play multiple positions, whether it’s the 3, 4 or 5. Also, they like to play at a pretty fast pace, and that’s how I like to play. Being able to just grab a rebound and push it is really big for me.”

More than anything, Parchment is looking forward to the winning culture she sees Illinois building. She wants to make a big impact, win some championships and continue growing the program.