Chambana Sun

Illinois softball has announced the addition of six new student-athletes to its roster for the 2026 season. The incoming group includes Micaela Booth, Skylar Brennan, Christina Crawford, Eden Echevarria, Abby Sabalaskey, and Amanda Smith. This marks head coach Tyra Perry's 11th year leading the program.

Micaela Booth is a transfer from Western Michigan. In her first collegiate season, she posted a .272 batting average with seven home runs and led her team with 30 RBIs. She previously played multiple infield positions and pitched at Allen High School in Texas and was active with Prolific Fastpitch club teams. Coach Perry said, "We were searching for someone with a powerful bat and the ability to change the game with one swing—and all signs pointed to Micaela. Her infectious personality, combined with her relentless drive to win, made her stand out from the start. We're thrilled that she has chosen to join our team. We believe she'll make an immediate impact on our program and in the Big Ten." Booth noted about joining Illinois: "I felt at home immediately. There are so many resources provided on and off the field. Playing some of the best competition in the country while also getting an amazing education is such a privilege that I'm happy I get to have!"

Skylar Brennan arrives as a transfer from Florida SouthWestern State after helping lead her team to Citrus Conference titles in 2024 and 2025 and earning several individual honors including NFCA All-America First Team in 2025. She hit .448 as a sophomore with seven home runs and 86 hits last season. Coach Perry commented, "Skylar comes from a winning tradition at Florida SouthWestern State, where she was coached by one of my former players, Kellie Quarles-Webb. Kellie had nothing but praise for Skylar's leadership and character. She is a natural athlete and brings the lefty presence we were looking for in our lineup. We are thrilled to welcome her to Illinois." Brennan stated: "I transferred to the University of Illinois because I wanted more: more competition, more challenge, and a bigger stage to lead from...I'm built for this level, and I'm ready to show it."

Christina Crawford joins from St. Thomas (Minn.), bringing over 350 innings of Division I pitching experience along with offensive contributions throughout her college career so far. In 2025 she appeared in 23 games (19 starts) as both pitcher and hitter; earlier seasons included setting single-season records for innings pitched and complete games at St. Thomas (Minn.). Assistant coach Kirsten Verdun said: "We can't wait to welcome Christina to the Illinois pitching staff...She will also bring a ton of experience and maturity to the Illini." Crawford cited community support as key in choosing Illinois: "One main reason was the community and people...Another reason is because my family and I have always been big Illini fans."

Eden Echevarria transfers from Wisconsin after playing two seasons there; she saw action primarily as an outfielder or pinch runner but also contributed offensively during high school where she was named First Team All-State twice while playing at Antioch Community High School in Illinois. Coach Perry said: "Eden can truly do it all...It's always a great day when in-state talent chooses to stay home." Echevarria described Illinois as providing both athletic challenge and academic opportunity.

Abby Sabalaskey comes from Northern Kentucky after an accomplished high school career at Westville High School where she set several IHSA pitching records including over 1,000 strikeouts across four years; she was recognized multiple times on all-conference teams statewide. Coach Verdun stated: "We are excited to have Abby join the Illini pitching staff! She is a proven winner..." Sabalaskey mentioned proximity to family among reasons for joining Illinois.

Amanda Smith transfers from Moorpark College where she earned Pitcher of the Year honors while accumulating nearly 400 collegiate innings pitched over two seasons along with more than 300 strikeouts; she previously earned first-team league honors twice during high school play in California. Coach Verdun remarked: "Amanda comes to us with just short of 400 innings pitched in college...Her experience and excitement to learn and grow will contribute to our culture..." Smith cited academics alongside athletics as motivation for transferring.

The additions come ahead of what promises to be another competitive season for Illinois softball under coach Tyra Perry’s leadership.