Members of the Illinois softball team are writing a blog, which will be published throughout the 2020-21 school year. Follow all the action of Head coach Tyra Perry's squad right here on FIGHTINGILLINI.com.

Hey Illini Softball Fans!

My name is Kelly Ryono and I am a sophomore outfielder from Huntington Beach, California. I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a focus on health and aging in hopes of becoming a firefighter-paramedic after my career here at Illinois. I have been at home for about three weeks now, enjoying the sunshine while I can before it is time to go back to the Midwest that we all know and love! Even though we are not all on campus right now, my teammates and I are still putting in work every day to prepare for this upcoming spring season. We had a fantastic fall where we did not just grow physically, but mentally as well. COVID-19 has made us grow stronger together and I think some really great things are coming for us in the spring. I cannot wait to get back to my Illini family in a few weeks.

I hope to see you all out in the stands wearing Orange and Blue this upcoming season! I-L-L

Kelly Ryono