CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois softball head coach Tyra Perry announced the signing of two student-athletes on Wednesday. Ady Kiddy and Brooke Stang join the Fighting Illini program, beginning with the 2025-26 campaign.
Ady Kiddy // Crystal Lake, Illinois // Prairie Ridge High School // Illinois Chili Gold // UT // 5-5
Notes: Four year varsity letterwinner at Prairie Ridge… Batted .525 with 52 hits, a school record 14 homer runs, 41 RBI and 54 runs as a junior… Named to the All-State First State in 2024… Earned Third Team All-State honors in 2023 when she batted .446 with 45 hits, three home runs, 25 RBI and 34 runs…. As a freshman, named all-conference and all-area after batting .506 with 45 hits, seven homers 25 RBI and 39 runs… Ranked #76 in the 2025 Class by Line Drive Media… Daughter of George and Sara… Hidden talent is juggling…. Plans to major in business.
Coach Perry on Kiddy: "Adysen Kiddy is the Swiss Army knife of softball. She has the skill and the softball IQ to compete at a high-level at multiple positions. Kiddy is a person of character, a high achiever in the classroom and a hard worker on the softball diamond. We're all excited to welcome her to the Fighting Illini FamILLy."
Why Illinois? " I chose Illinois because it was the perfect fit for me. I love the environment and energy around the campus. I like how it is relatively close to my home. I also like how they support their student athletes."
Brooke Stang // Brookville, Indiana// Franklin County High School // Beverly Bandits // OF // 5-8
Notes: Four year varsity letter winner at Franklin County… Batted .529 as a freshman with 25 stolen bases, 46 runs and 10 doubles… Named all-conference MVP… Broke school record for hits and runs as a freshman… Batted .534 with 17 stolen bases with 45 runs, 14 doubles and five home runs… Named All-State in 2023… Posted a .539 batting average with 41 runs, 13 stolen bases, 15 doubles and nine home runs… Named all-state in 2024… Broke the school record for doubles in 2023… Broke the program record for single-season homers and doubles… Daughter of Brent and Leslie… Enjoys walking her dog… Plans on becoming a dentist.
Coach Perry on Stang:Â "When I first saw Brooke Stang compete, I was immediately drawn to her gritty style of play. Every ball that was hit to the outfield was hers and she never ever gets cheated at the plate. Brooke will add a lefty presence to our lineup and a steady glove to the outfield."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because I love the environment within the softball team and how welcoming the coaches are. It also gives me the opportunity to learn from a highly ranked college!"
