CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois softball program announced the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, November 11. Gabby Debevec (Antioch, Illinois), Juliana Hooker (Coral Springs, Florida), Reese Hunkins (Huntley, Illinois), Sydney Malott (Liberty, Missouri), and Alaina Miller (New Palestine, Indiana) are set to join the Illini for the 2022-23 season.
"We are excited to officially introduce our 2022 class to the Fighting Illini Nation," said head coach Tyra Perry. "These five young women are of the highest character and they play the game of softball with pride and passion."
CLASS OF 2022 ILLINI SOFTBALL SIGNEES
Gabby Debevec // Antioch, Illinois // Antioch Community High School // Illinois Chill Gold // Infield // 5-2
Notes: Illinois Third Team All-State … Northern Lake County All-Conference selection … Helped Illinois Chill Gold place 16th at PGF nationals in 2018 and 2019 and 2nd at the Colorado IDT in 2019 … Won a championship at a PGF qualifier in Peoria, IL … favorite food is sushi and favorite professional sports team is the Green Bay Packers.
Coach Perry on Debevec: "Gabby is a solid, consistent all-around utility type player. She has a strong arm and is a champion at making plays in high pressure situations."
Why Illinois?
"I chose Illinois because it is an incredibly highly ranked school for academics. When I attended my first softball camp in 8th grade, I fell in love with the softball environment and team dynamic, as well as the coaching staff. I knew that attending Illinois would allow me to have fun playing softball at a competitive level, but also allow me the opportunity to receive a high-level education that will propel me into a successful career post-graduation."
Juliana Hooker // Coral Springs, Florida // Pompano Beach High School // Wichita Mustangs // Pitcher // 6'1
Notes: Ranked 51 in Extra Innings Elite 100 … Broward County Honorable Mention Freshman of the Year … Third team All-State junior year … Second Team All-County junior year … 2021 4A District Champions … Club teams included Wichita Mustangs, South Florida Intensity, and Lady Lightning Gold … Favorite athlete is Serena Williams and favorite food is Mexican or Italian.
Coach Perry on Hooker: "Juliana Hooker's tall frame caught our attention at a national tournament this past summer. She is a drop ball pitcher who has the movement and velocity to dominate in our league. She is a student of one of my former Western Kentucky pitchers, Ryan Rogge. Julianna has great energy on the mound and fields her position like a champion."
Why Illinois?
"I chose to go to Illinois because I knew that it was where I wanted to be as soon as I came to the school. I loved the coaches and all the opportunities I could get from attending this school."
Reese Hunkins // Huntley, Illinois // Huntley High School // Illinois Chill Gold // Infield // 5'6
Notes: 2019 Illinois State Champion ... 2021 Third-Team All-State and two-time Fox Valley All-Conference honoree ... Helped Illinois Chill Gold place 16th at PGF nationals in 2018 and 2019 and 2nd at the Colorado IDT in 2019 … Has a twin brother, Ryder, and an older brother, Rukkus.
Coach Perry on Hunkins: "Reese is an instinctive player and watching her in action is always exciting.  She has the potential to hit for both power and for average in the B1G."
Why Illinois?
"I chose Illinois because I love the atmosphere of everything and envision myself there. I love the chemistry and culture the team and coaches have that I highly look forward to being involved in. I love the buildings and academic opportunities they have as well. The school is a good fit for me and is closer to home."
Sydney Malott // Liberty, Missouri // Liberty High School // Aces Fastpitch // Infield // 5'7
Notes: Three-time First Team All-Conference, three-time Second Team All-Region, Two-time First Team All-District … Played four years for Aces Fastpitch club team where she helped lead her team to several tournament wins in 2021 (Team 1, Sparkler, Top Club Nationals, and PGF Show Me The Money) … Favorite athletes are Patrick Mahomes and Stephen Curry and favorite professional sports team is the Kansas City Chiefs.
Coach Perry on Malott: "Sydney Malott is talented middle infielder out of Missouri. She will be joining fellow Aces Fastpitch alums Zoe Caryl and Stevie Meade.  Sydney's immaculate footwork, strong arm and ability to make high-level in game decisions will immediately elevate our defense."
Why Illinois?
"I choose The University of Illinois because of the family environment that was provided from day one. The coaches cared about me as a person and a player. The campus is a good distance away from home and my family will be able to watch me play at the next level. They work hard and have program goals that I think I could help achieve."
Alaina Miller // New Palestine, Indiana // New Palestine High School // Indiana Gators // Outfield // 5'7
Notes: Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) 2019 3A Softball State Champion … 2021 Hoosier Heritage All-Conference and Hancock County All-County selection … USA Today Sports #7 ranked high school team in 2021 … led her high school team to an undefeated regular season and 28-0 record while hitting .453 with 39 hits … Has played club ball for the Indiana Gators since 2012 … Favorite food is watermelon and favorite athlete is Javy Baez.
Coach Perry on Miller: "Alaina was one of the first kids to sign up for our camps when I first took the job several years ago. She was fast back then and she is even faster now. Alaina's parents are both Illinois alums and we are happy she chose to continue the family tradition of Orange and Blue."
Why Illinois?
"I chose Illinois because of the environment and people. I was overwhelmed with all of the support from players and coaches, the beautiful campus, and the amazing academic opportunities. My softball camp experiences at Illinois while growing up also gave me an incredible level of comfort in the campus and the coaches. My parents grew up just north of U of I, and my extended family lives close to campus. Illinois has been my second home. It is a privilege and honor to continue my education at my parents' alma mater and at my new home away from home."
