Champaign, Ill. — Illinois softball head coach Tyra Perry announced five members of the Fighting Illini's 2026 signing class on Wednesday afternoon. Sutton Centoni, Rachel Grundei, Caidence Phillips, Hailey Schuffenhauer and Riley Staats will join the program, beginning with the 2026-27 campaign.
Sutton Centoni // Dunlap, Ill. // Dunlap High School // Iowa Premier Fastpitch // RHP // 6-1
Notes: Two-time All-State First Team selection… Helped lead team to first Mid-Illini Conference title in program history and first regional championship in ten years… Two-time McDonald's All-Star Game participant… Daughter of Dana and John Centoni…Mom, Dana, pitched at Eastern Illinois from 1986 to 1990… Has two brothers, Cooper and Maddox… Hidden talent is juggling.
Coach Verdun on Centoni: "Sutton is an in-state kid with a ton of talent. She does a great job changing speeds and spinning the ball. Sutton's presence on the mound and her elite rise ball will make her a dynamic arm for us. Her work ethic and determination make her a great fit on our staff. We couldn't be happier she chose to be an Illini!"
Why Illinois? "Everything felt right while being on campus. The campus, coaches, and players created a great atmosphere. The distance from home is perfect for me, along with an amazing academic opportunity."
Rachel Grundei // Leander, Texas // Leander High School // Texas Blaze United // OF // 5-5
Notes: Three-time 25-5A All-District selection… Named 2025 Sports Illustrated Top Outfielder in Texas… 2024 TSWA and TGCA All-State First Team selection…2025 TGCA All-State All-Star Game participant…2025 TSWA All-State Second Team selection… Two-time Austin Sports Journal All-Metro First Team honoree.. 2023 District 25-5A Newcomer of the Year…Daughter of Christy and Daniel Grundei…Sister to Izzie and William… hobbies include watching movies and making great TikToks.
Coach Perry on Grundei: "We are excited to welcome an athlete of Rachel's character and caliber into our program. She can hit for both power and average. On defense, she exhibits great range and plays the game with passion."
Why Illinois? "I loved the campus, the coaches, and the players. Everyone made me feel welcomed and at home as soon as I arrived."
Caidence Phillips // Carterville, Ill. // Carterville High School // Iowa Premier Fastpitch // RHP // 5-9
Notes: Two-time All-State First Team honoree…Three-time All-Conference First Team selection…Awarded Southern Illinois Player of the Year twice… Holds Carterville High School records for strikeouts in a game and a single season…Daughter of Carrie and Nathan Phillips… Has one brother, Jasper…. Enjoys baking and walking in her free time.
Coach Verdun on Phillips: "Caidence is one of the most talented pitchers in the state and we are so excited she chose to stay home and play for the Illini. The leadership and toughness she brings on the mound will help round out our pitching staff. Her ability to change speeds and eye levels along with her command will make her a force in the circle for us. Caidence plays for one of the best travel teams in the country and does not back down from playing top competition so we knew she would be a great fit for us at Illinois. We can't wait to have her join us next year!"
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because it felt like home. It was the perfect distance and the culture was amazing. The coaches are so nice and the people are great!"
Hailey Schuffenhauer // Shelton, Wash. // Shelton High School // ai Bandits Fastpitch // INF // 5-2
Notes: 2025 All-League MVP… 2024 All-League First Team…Daughter of Jared and Stephanie Schuffenhauer… Has one brother, Jackson… Hobbies include drawing and baking… Aspires to become an ultrasound technician.
Coach Perry on Schuffenhauer: "Hailey is the total package. We were on the hunt for left-handed hitters who compete at the plate, and she stood out immediately. She has an elite arm and glove, and I've seen her make SportsCenter quality plays on defense in the biggest moments. Hailey is the type of talent that always manages to step up when her team needs her most."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. The atmosphere was amazing and the campus was beautiful. The athletic community felt like a huge family, and I never had to second guess whether the coaches believed in me."
Riley Staats // Vienna, Virginia // McLean High School // Starz Gold // INF // 5-9
Notes: 2023 State Champion… 2025 All-Region First Team… 2025 All-District First Team… Participated in flag football at her high school…Daughter of Nalani and Sean Staats…Has two sisters, Madeline and Taylor… Sister, Madeline, plays softball at George Mason… hobbies include hiking and playing pickleball.
Coach Perry on Staats: "Riley has all the tools to excel at this level, and we're thrilled she has chosen to continue her softball career at Illinois. She has unlimited potential, and we're excited to see her develop in our system."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because of the outstanding academics and being one of the top 15 schools in the United States. I also chose Illinois because of my relationships with people on the team and the connections I have already made and will make."
