June 27, 2008

URBANA, Ill. - Illinois softball head coach Terri Sullivan announced Friday the hiring of Katie O'Connell as an assistant coach. O'Connell returns to her alma mater after a successful three-year stint as the head coach at Casey-Westfield High School where the Warriors finished as the Illinois Class A state runner-up in back-to-back years.

"We are thrilled to have Katie returning to Illinois as our assistant coach," Sullivan said. "Her expertise in teaching, strategizing and scouting will have an immediate impact on our program. Katie has excelled at every level of the game, both playing and coaching, and we are certain that the skills and success she brings will be an invaluable asset for Illinois softball."

In addition to O'Connell's success as the head coach at Casey-Westfield, the four-year starting second baseman also was a part of Illinois' most prolific seasons, leading the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. During her senior season, the Illini collected 45 wins, the most in school history, and made the NCAA Sweet 16, the best finish in school history. The Joliet, Ill., native ranks among the top ten in school history in games started, runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI and total bases.

"As a player, Katie was a fierce competitor and a student-athlete who understood the tremendous privilege she had to represent the University of Illinois on the field," Sullivan said. "Because she understands the game inside and out, Katie was a natural to join the coaching profession."

O'Connell's success on the field extends back to her high school days. As a member of the team at Joliet Township High School, O'Connell led her team to the Class AA State Championship under the tutelage of her father, Dale O'Connell.

TRANSACTION - Katie O'Connell named University of Illinois assistant softball coach.

THE O'CONNELL FILE
Born: March 9, 1982
Hired: June 26, 2008

Education
2005 University of Illinois, B.S. in Kinesiology

Coaching Experience
2005-08 Softball head coach at Casey-Westfield High School
2006-08 Assistant coach of Midland Magic 18 and under
2006-08 Women's basketball head coach at Casey-Westfield
2004-05 University of Illinois softball volunteer assistant coach

Playing Career
2001-04 University of Illinois second baseman