CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced a two-year contract extension for head softball coach Tyra Perry on Thursday (December 13), keeping Perry at Illinois through the 2024 softball season.

"Tyra has earned this extension with her exemplary leadership and ability to develop the young women in our softball program," said Whitman. "Coach Perry has worked tirelessly to grow our softball program at the University of Illinois. She has done a tremendous job evaluating talent and is a terrific model in terms of providing a well-rounded experience for our student-athletes. Our softball program is annually one of the leading teams performing community service while also posting excellent grades in the classroom. Tyra has shown the ability to lead our team with integrity and stability, and I look forward to her continued leadership and success."

Perry was hired as the Fighting Illini's second-ever head coach in June, 2015, and is entering her 18th season as a NCAA Division I softball head coach. Perry has made an immediate impact in her time at the helm of Illini softball, leading the program to its first back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances since 2010 after advancing to postseason play in 2016 and 2017 and has guided the Illini to 36 wins or more for three-straight seasons for the first time in program history.  

"The University of Illinois is a very special place and I am blessed to be part of such a distinguished institution," said Perry. "I truly believe in the vision that Josh Whitman has for Illinois Athletics and I will work hard every day to keep our softball program moving in the right direction."

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