Urbana, Ill. - The Fighting Illini coaching staff are pleased to announce the addition of Veronica Ruelius to the incoming freshman class for next fall. A power-hitting lefty at the plate, she is a talented outfielder from Marengo, Illinois, who plays travel ball for the Northern Illinois Lightning.
"We are excited to add another power hitter to the 2015-2016 squad," said head coach Terri Sullivan. "Ronnie's skills, work ethic, and competitive nature stood out last summer at our team camp. Ronnie has been well coached and we look forward to seeing her wear the Orange and Blue."
A four-year starter for Marengo Community High School under head coach Dwain Nance, Ruelius was named all-conference, all-area and all-state in each of the past two seasons, including a first-team all-state selection in 2014. The slugger has connected on 22 home runs over the past two seasons, hitting .519 with a .954 slugging percentage and 43 RBIs as a junior, and currently hitting .500 with 11 bombs and 30 RBIs thus far in her senior year.
"Veronica is a very hard worker and has a passion for softball," said Nance. "She is a coach's dream player as she always gives her best effort and is willing to try new things to be a better player. Veronica is a pure hitter and has the power to hit a ball over any fence on any swing. Her defense in the outfield is superb. Veronica has been a joy to coach the past four years and our program is going to miss her very much. We wish her the best at U of I."
Ruelius enjoyed perhaps the best game of her career last Thursday, April 23, hitting three home runs, including a grand slam, to lead the Indians past North Boone, 15-1, in five innings. She hit two bombs in the first inning alone, then crushed a grand slam in the second en route to earning Northwest HeraldAthlete of the Week. With Ruelius in the outfield, Marengo claimed second at 3A State Championships in 2012, then reached the Sectional Finals in 2013 and 2014. Ruelius has led the Indians to 30 straight Big Northern Conference East Division victories dating back to 2013, which has Marengo ranked No. 1 by the Herald in its most recent Power Rankings.
Outside of school, Ruelius has played travel ball for the Northern Illinois Lightning since 2009. This past fall, she hit .432 with an .811 slugging percentage and a .553 on base percentage under head coach Elissa Wisniewski.
"This is my first year working with Ronnie and she is a very talented athlete who can contribute not only at the plate, but on defense as well," said Wisniewski. "She is a fierce competitor and will do great things at the collegiate level."
