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.
"We had blood, sweat, puke and tears. Now that sounds like a good Friday to me!" – Coach Zach Boone, our strength and conditioning coach.
The hard week of grinding is finally over and we can enjoy Dad's weekend with our families and a tailgate before the Ohio State football game. If anyone has met my dad, you know he is always ready to cheer on the Illini with great friends! A special thank you to all of our dads for all that you did for us growing up to get us to this point in our softball career.
Howdy Y'all! My name is Jill Nicklas and I am an outfielder from the great state of Texas! I am a sophomore majoring in elementary education and minoring in speech and hearing sciences. I hope to someday pursue a career in education as a fun second grade teacher!
People always ask me, why Illinois? My answer, why not Illinois? Looking back at my high school graduating class, I was the only one standing in the crowd with my cap decorated with the words "Fighting Illini." That was one decision I will never regret. This great University has so much to offer and having the opportunity to wear Fighting Illini across my chest is an honor.
The countdown to season finally hit double digits and we are 87 days till the 2016 season. That means we have 87 days to work hard with our awesome new coaching staff and 87 days for us to gain knowledge and character in order for us to be standing on the big stage in June.
Growing up as a little girl in the Dallas area, it was a short three-hour drive to Oklahoma City. Every year in June, my travel ball team would make this road trip to play in the Hall of Fame tournament and then go to some of the College World Series games.  What a thrill it was for a little kid to watch the college women play and then take a new bright yellow ball down to the field to get autographs after the game.  I remember thinking to myself "maybe someday that will be me".  Now that 'someday' is here.  I know I can speak for my teammates and say that this is the goal that we are working hard for everyday – June 2016 – Oklahoma City - The College World Series!
Go Fighting Illini!!
Jill
