As Illinois athletics finds success in many areas, a sport they've struggled in more recently has been softball, last week the team hired new head coach Jenna Hall to change that.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) -- As Illinois athletics finds success in many areas, a sport they've struggled in more recently has been softball, yet last week, the team hired new head coach Jenna Hall to change that.

Hall is one of the most decorated players to wear the Illini uniform, as a team star from 2003-06.

More recently, she's been the head coach at Ohio University, where she won the MAC Conference Coach of the Year twice in four seasons.

She said establishing a program culture any time there's a new regime is important, and thanks to her passion for her alma mater, will make sure players know how special the U of I is.

The Illini needed a change following this past season, where they finished with a record of 15-39.

Coach Hall was an all-American in 2006 when her Illinois playing career ended.

She spent time as an assistant at Ohio U, Ohio State and Pitt during her time as head coach. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.Â