CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced Monday that head softball coach Tyra Perry will not return for the 2027 season.
"On behalf of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, I want to thank Coach Perry for her longstanding contributions to Illinois Softball over these last 11 seasons," Whitman said. "Tyra is a wonderful person who served admirably in the role of head coach. We experienced many high points during the early years of her tenure, including multiple NCAA postseason appearances. However, we have been unable to build upon that early success in recent years, leading me to conclude that a change in leadership is needed. We will always be grateful to Tyra for her hard work on behalf of our program and our student-athletes, and we wish her nothing but the best."
The second head coach in Illinois Softball history, Perry spent 11 years at the helm of the Fighting Illini, compiling a 301-264 overall record, including 109-134 in Big Ten play. Illinois advanced to NCAA Regionals in four of the first six completed seasons of Perry's tenure and had winning Big Ten records and upper-half league finishes in five of her first six full seasons. However, over the last four seasons the Illini own a record of just 87-125 overall and 22-66 in Big Ten play, with bottom-half finishes all four years.
"I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent the University of Illinois softball program," Perry said. "Coaching here has been a true gift, and I feel incredibly blessed to have worked with some of the most amazing young women. Thank you to everyone who supported me during my time as a Fighting Illini. Some of the best coaches in the business wear the Orange and Blue. A special thank you to Sara Burton and Josh Whitman for their leadership and support. I wish Illinois Softball nothing but continued success. I-L-L!"
Illinois will honor the remainder of Coach Perry's employment agreement, which runs through August 2027. A national search will begin immediately to identify the next head coach of Fighting Illini Softball, led by Chief Sports Officer Sara Burton.
