Chambana Sun

Illinois softball has announced the addition of five players to its 2026 signing class. Head coach Tyra Perry confirmed that Sutton Centoni, Rachel Grundei, Caidence Phillips, Hailey Schuffenhauer, and Riley Staats will join the Fighting Illini for the 2026-27 season.

Sutton Centoni is a right-handed pitcher from Dunlap High School in Illinois. She is a two-time All-State First Team selection and helped her team secure its first Mid-Illini Conference title and regional championship in a decade. Her mother, Dana, also played collegiate softball at Eastern Illinois.

Coach Kirsten Verdun commented on Centoni: "Sutton is an in-state kid with a ton of talent. She does a great job changing speeds and spinning the ball. Sutton's presence on the mound and her elite rise ball will make her a dynamic arm for us. Her work ethic and determination make her a great fit on our staff. We couldn't be happier she chose to be an Illini!"

Centoni shared her reasons for choosing Illinois: "Everything felt right while being on campus. The campus, coaches, and players created a great atmosphere. The distance from home is perfect for me, along with an amazing academic opportunity."

Rachel Grundei comes from Leander High School in Texas and plays outfield. She has been recognized as the 2025 Sports Illustrated Top Outfielder in Texas and was named to multiple all-district teams during her high school career.

Coach Perry spoke about Grundei: "We are excited to welcome an athlete of Rachel's character and caliber into our program. She can hit for both power and average. On defense, she exhibits great range and plays the game with passion."

Grundei explained her decision: "I loved the campus, the coaches, and the players. Everyone made me feel welcomed and at home as soon as I arrived."

Caidence Phillips is another right-handed pitcher joining from Carterville High School in Illinois. She holds several pitching records at her school and has twice been named Southern Illinois Player of the Year.

Coach Verdun said about Phillips: "Caidence is one of the most talented pitchers in the state and we are so excited she chose to stay home and play for the Illini. The leadership and toughness she brings on the mound will help round out our pitching staff. Her ability to change speeds and eye levels along with her command will make her a force in the circle for us. Caidence plays for one of the best travel teams in the country and does not back down from playing top competition so we knew she would be a great fit for us at Illinois. We can't wait to have her join us next year!"

Phillips noted: "I chose Illinois because it felt like home. It was the perfect distance and the culture was amazing. The coaches are so nice and the people are great!"

Hailey Schuffenhauer joins as an infielder from Shelton High School in Washington state where she earned league MVP honors.

Perry described Schuffenhauer as follows: "Hailey is the total package. We were on the hunt for left-handed hitters who compete at the plate, and she stood out immediately. She has an elite arm and glove, and I've seen her make SportsCenter quality plays on defense in the biggest moments. Hailey is the type of talent that always manages to step up when her team needs her most."

Schuffenhauer said: "I chose Illinois because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. The atmosphere was amazing and the campus was beautiful. The athletic community felt like a huge family, and I never had to second guess whether the coaches believed in me."

Riley Staats arrives from McLean High School in Virginia where she played both softball—winning a state championship—and flag football.

Perry commented: "Riley has all the tools to excel at this level, and we're thrilled she has chosen to continue her softball career at Illinois. She has unlimited potential, and we're excited to see her develop in our system."

Staats cited academics among her reasons: "I chose Illinois because of the outstanding academics and being one of the top 15 schools in the United States. I also chose Illinois because of my relationships with people on the team and connections I have already made or will make."