Urbana, Ill. – University of Illinois softball is pleased to announce the hiring of Olivia Watkins as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2015-16 season. A four-year standout at Western Kentucky (2011-14), Watkins has spent the past two seasons playing professional softball in the NPF. The speed demon will work with the Fighting Illini on baserunning and slap hitting, while also helping with infield instruction.

"Olivia is one of the most aggressive players I have ever coached," said head coach Tyra Perry. "She has always been a student of the game and a tireless worker. Olivia achieved great success as a slapper and middle infielder at WKU and in the NPF. I am excited to be reunited with her here at the University of Illinois."

An all-star second baseman from Florence, Alabama, Watkins played for Coach Perry at Western Kentucky for three seasons before Perry left for Ball State. As an upperclassman at WKU, Watkins was a two-time NFCA All-Region honoree and a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selection, along with being named SBC Preseason Player of the Year prior to her senior season in 2014. A consistent speed threat in the lineup, Watkins finished her career as the all-time leader in batting average (.380), stolen bases (117) and stolen base attempts (129), while ranking in the top five in career runs (130), hits (200), multi-hit games (55), hit streaks (13, twice) and on-base percentage (.421).

Following her senior season in 2014, Watkins inked a free-agent contract with the Akron Racers of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). The first Western Kentucky player ever to sign with an NPF team, she provided speed at the top of the lineup for the Racers in 21 games, scoring 11 runs and registering a .600 stolen base percentage.

After training with the Western Kentucky Track & Field program in 2014-15 and running the 100m during indoor track season, Watkins signed with the Pennsylvania Rebellion (NPF) for the 2015 season.