CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois softball program is set to welcome in Lauren Wiles (Grimesland, N.C.), a freshman pitcher out of Columbia High School. Wiles becomes the seventh and final member of the 2021 class and will join the Illini in the fall of 2021.  

Lauren Wiles // Grimesland, N.C. // D.H. Conley High School // Pitcher // R/R // 5-9
Notes: Ranked in the top 100 nationally by FloSoftball and Extra Innings ... 2019 North Carolina All-State honors ... 2019 North Carolina 3A All-State East Pitcher of the Year ... Played for several club ball teams including the 18U Lady Lightning Gold Demarini Platinum Squad, LLG 16U Elite, and LLG 14U Features ... Was a member of the 2019 National Honors Society ... Emulates her game after Brianna Stewart

Why Illinois?
"I chose the University of Illinois because when I visited the campus for my unofficial, I fell in love with the campus and the community. The softball coaching staff is amazing. The academic opportunities are some of the best in the country, and the campus and community felt like home. I knew immediately that I would enjoy my time at Illinois."

Coach Perry on Wiles
"Lauren is a force in the circle. She is a fighter and we are happy she has chosen The University of Illinois as her future home."

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