At Illinois, coaching goes far beyond X’s and O’s. It’s about shaping character, fostering resolve, and building legacy on and off the field, course, or court. We wanted to go beyond the whistle with four of our head coaches: Bret Bielema (football), Shauna Green (women’s basketball), Tyra Perry (softball), and Mike Small (men’s golf). Each of these leaders brings a unique journey, a deep love for their sport, and an unwavering belief in the power of mentorship. Next in the series is Coach Perry.

The interview below was condensed for length and clarity.

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What was the defining moment that made you fall in love with your sport?

In the third grade, I was sitting in class when our principal announced tryouts for a girls’ softball team. I rushed home and asked my dad if I could try out. His response was exactly what I expected; he said yes,  but reminded me that I’d have to work hard every single day to improve. I gave my best effort. As they wrapped up, the coach made an announcement that crushed me. He planned to keep only fifth-graders. I went home and cried my eyes out. My dad let me have my moment, then reminded me that final cuts hadn’t been made. I kept grinding, and I became the team’s youngest player.

What were you like as a student-athlete?

As a student-athlete, I was incredibly disciplined, just like I am now. I hated distance running, but I loved everything else about training and competition. I was addicted to competing. And hitting? Hitting is still my favorite part of this beautiful game. There’s nothing like stepping up to the plate and delivering against a pitcher with a dominant rise ball or wicked change-up.

What do you think you’d be doing today if you weren’t a coach? And why?

If I hadn’t become a coach, I have no doubt I’d be a registered nurse. I’ve always been drawn to helping people. In fact, I completed all my prerequisites and was in the process of applying to nursing school at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, when I transferred to the inaugural softball team at LSU. LSU’s nursing school was located off-campus in New Orleans, so I had to make a tough decision. I chose to pivot and transitioned into kinesiology.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as an athlete or coach?

One of my biggest blessings was meeting Coach Dwayne “Beetle” Bailey, the LSU baseball assistant coach. Right after his retirement, he took me under his wing; he taught me everything I know about hitting. He also became a key mentor when I became a coach. His best advice? Be yourself. As a young woman in a competitive sport, it’s easy to feel pressure to become someone you’re not. But Coach Bailey taught me to focus on maximizing my God-given talents instead of wasting energy trying to fit a mold. I’ve learned that authenticity is the price of admission to effective leadership. Your athletes can sniff out anything fake. They crave connection, and they deserve to feel like they belong.

Do you have a message for Fighting Illini softball donors?

The landscape of collegiate athletics is constantly evolving, and softball is no exception. I never could have imagined a time when softball players would be signing million-dollar NIL deals. Athletes are no longer just evaluating education and playing time; they’re considering facilities, travel accommodations, visibility, and NIL opportunities. It’s a competitive market, and building a program today means more than just coaching. Generating support and resources for our athletes has become a key part of my role. I’m still adjusting to that reality, but one thing is clear: Our young women are worth every bit of the investment. And I’ll continue doing everything I can to make sure they know it.