2025 Preview: Illinois

Tyra Perry had her first losing season last year in her ninth season leading Illinois. However, she told her staff she thought it was one of their best coaching jobs yet. The injury bug bit Fighting Illini, especially in the circle. Factor in close losses to tournament teams such as LSU, Virginia Tech, and Cal, the ball just didn't break Illinois' way. Nevertheless, Perry believes the team did well all things considered. "We don't like that and it's not our standard. But it was probably the best coaching job we've ever done," Perry said. "Between the injuries we had in the pitching staff, we spent most of the season with two active arms. We played 70% of our games on the road, it was one of those years we were on the road a ton. It was tough but our players fought. We had a lot of challenges and what will help us this year is the new blood we have. We are six-deep in the bullpen and depth at each position. I think it'll help us get back to our 2019, 2022 teams."