CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – First-year head coach Tyra Perry and the Illinois softball program announced the signing of two student-athletes to national letters of intent on Thursday (Nov. 12). Making up Perry's first class at Illinois is Siena Sandoval (Upland,Calif.) and Hanna Nilsen (Mission Viejo, Calif.), both of whom will join the Illini in 2016-17.
Siena Sandoval // Upland, Calif. // Upland HS // Infielder
Notes: Four-year varsity letter winter at Upland High School … Plays travel ball for the Corona Angels U18 Gold - Howard … Led the Angels to 33rd place at the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Nationals in 2015 as well as the championship at the 2015 So Cal's Finest Last Chance Tournament … Led her 16U Corona Angels – Slye team to a third place finish at PGF Nationals and placed as runner-up at the Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament … Placed fifth at the 2013 Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament with her Angels 16U team … Named to FloSoftball.com's Class of 2016 Watch List … As a sophomore earned the Most Inspirational Award and Highlander Education Foundation Award.
Coach Perry on Sandoval:
"Siena is an exciting addition to our program. She excels both in the classroom and on the softball field. Siena comes from a historically strong travel program and has the ability to play multiple positions."
Sandoval on joining the Illini:
"Committing to Illinois and having the opportunity to play at such a skilled college is a dream come true. I am so happy that my hard work has paid off and allowed me to go to such a prestigious college. I cannot wait to see what the future holds."
Hanna Nilsen // Mission Viejo, Calif. // Mission Viejo HS // Pitcher
Notes: Four-year varsity letter winner at Mission Viejo High School … Led her MVHS team to the South Coast League Championship for three-straight seasons as well as a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division II championship in 2013-14 … Also helped her team to a CIF Southern Section Division II runner-up finish in 2014-15 and a semi-final appearance in 2012-13 … Plays travel ball for Firecrackers Blanco U18 Gold … Earned Most Valuable Pitcher honors after leading her travel ball team to the 12U United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) National Championship in 2010 … Also earned top-10 finishes at Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Nationals with her 14U team in 2012 and 16U squad in 2013 … Has eight years of travel ball experience.
Coach Perry on Nilsen:
"Hanna has experienced success with both her high school and travel ball teams. She is a smart pitcher that understands the game of softball. We are happy to welcome her to the Illini Family."
Nilsen on joining the Illini:
"Having the chance to go to college in another part of the country is very exciting to me. The beautiful campus and the family environment had a huge impact on my decision. I am very fortunate for the opportunity to attend such an amazing University. Cannot wait to start the next chapter of my life in the orange and blue!"
