May 6, 2014

Champaign, Ill. - Fighting Illini head coach Michelle Dasso announced the signing of two student-athletes to letters of intent on Tuesday. Jade Hilton of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and Illinois State transfer Madie Baillon will join the Orange and Blue for the 2014-15 season. Hilton and Baillon will join Grace Tapak, of Hinsdale, Illinois, to make up the 2014 signing class.

Jade Hilton        

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

High School: Lorne Park Secondary School

Hilton was a Canadian National Doubles Finalist in 2012 and 2013, and will help solidify the 2014-15 Illini starting in the fall.

Dasso: "We believe she has the whole package when it comes to being a complete student-athlete.  Jade has made great strides in regards to her growth within this past year and we are confident she will continue down that path.  She is a driven and unique individual that will represent our University with pride."

Madie Baillon

Hometown: Champaign, Illinois

High School: St. Thomas More

Hometown hero Baillon will return home for the 2014-15 season after spending a year at Illinois State. Baillon started her college career this past fall, where she took the No. 2 doubles champion title with parter Kadi Illves at the Ball State Invitational, the No. 5 singles title at the Northern Iowa Invitational, and earned the Missouri Valley Conference Individual Championship at No. 6 singles. During the spring 2014 season, Baillon finished the Missouri Valley Conference regular season undefeated and made the All-Conference team with doubles partner Phyllis Tigges.

Dasso: "Madie gained a lot of match experience last year at ISU and understands the demands of a collegiate schedule.  Her doubles skills and results were extremely impressive and we are excited to welcome her back home to the Illini family."