Members of the Illinois softball team are writing a blog, which will be published throughout the 2015-16 school year. Follow all the action of Coach Perry's inaugural UI squad right here at FIGHTINGILLINI.com.

Hey Softball Fans!

Hope everyone had a great October. My name is Ruby Rivera and I am an infielder from southern California. I am a junior majoring in community health and minoring in social work hoping to become a social worker.

You all might be wondering why on earth would I leave California and come to Illinois. I was asked that question almost every day my freshman year. Truthfully speaking, what won me over was the beautiful campus. I knew Illinois was a great school academically, but what really tied the knot for me was the scenery that rested at every corner. I know - I am so far away from home! But I know I can always go back during the holidays or the summer, so I do not exactly get home sick ever. I really wanted a new experience and a change, so I chose a school that had what I wanted - which was a great program, strong academics and a beautiful campus. You cannot compare California weather to Illinois. I do not get all four seasons in Cali so breathing in the fall for the first time was definitely an experience. I would like to mention how excited I was for the snow to come my first year but I was not aware that my first winter was going to be the worst winter Illinois has had in fifty years!! So thank you Illinois for teaching me how to properly clothe myself and never to complain about the "winter" in California.

Softball wise, this program is launching towards a great season. I am so excited to see how far we will go as a team. As usual we are still having issues with the weather conflicting with practice. I will not forget just a couple weeks ago when we started getting grounders on the field and out of nowhere this storm hits and we all sprint for our bags and head into the clubhouse. Nothing was funnier than watching Coach Perry and Coach Liv try to cover their hair with a jacket. We all sat in the locker room laughing at one another imaging how ridiculous we looked to those drivers across the street passing the field as we ran into the clubhouse. We all agreed that it was probably the fastest we have all sprinted off the field. It is memories like this that I know will stay with me after I graduate. 

I would not be here without the support of my family, every single coach who has ever coached me, and all my wonderful fans who have kept me up. For that I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to play for the Fighting Illini.

I cannot wait for season to hit again. See you guys out there!