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.

Hello Everyone!

My name is Alexis Carrillo and I am a freshman from Long Beach, California. Currently I am undeclared for a major, but I hope to transfer into the college of Applied Heath Sciences. This past weekend we opened our season down in Miami, Florida. We were extremely excited to get out on some real dirt and see some warm weather. This team bleeds Orange and Blue, and to show our spirit, we have an Illini Shield flag that we bring everywhere we travel – including the dugout!  

We have worked so hard and have come a long way in the offseason, so it was exciting that we finally got to kick off our season. Our coaching staff has been super supportive and has done a great job at working with us to get better each and every practice. We have been working extremely hard since day one with blood, sweat and tears. This team is ready for anything that may get thrown at us and I know we will figure it out to get the job done. Our coaching staff is pushing us hard, both physically and mentally, because they believe in us 100 percent.

Our assistant coaches, coach Trout and coach Liv have been working with the infielders and have us ready to go to stop any ball that comes our way. We have such great leaders in our infield that push us to the next level, along with a great coaching staff that believes in us. I have also had the chance to work with our associate head coach, Coach K, and the pitchers and catchers. This is a new position for me, but Coach K has been working with me to get better every day and improve my comfort level behind the plate.

This team has a great coaching staff and a great group of women who all believe in each other and are ready to bring our flag to North Carolina next weekend! WE ARE ILLINI ISLAND!

Go Illini!

Alexis Carrillo