Illinois (22-28) head coach Tyra Perry announced Wednesday five new members of the 2026 signing class. The additions to the team include Sutton Centoni, Caidence Phillips, Rachel Grundei, Hailey Schuffenhauer and Riley Staats, who range from Illinois, Texas, Washington and Virginia.
The program grabbed two right-handed pitchers in Phillips and Centoni. Phillips is a two-time Southern Illinois Player of the Year, two-time All-State First Team honoree and three-time All-Conference First Team selection.
“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,” said assistant coach Kirsten Verdun in a press release. “The leadership and toughness she brings on the mound will help round out our pitching staff.”
Phillips plays for Iowa Premier Fastpitch; so does Centoni, who isn’t traveling far to her new home next fall. She attends Dunlap High School, where she helped lead the team to its first Mid-Illini Conference title in program history and its first regional championship in 10 years.
“Everything felt right while being on campus,” Centoni said. “The campus, coaches, and players created a great atmosphere. The distance from home is perfect for me, along with an amazing academic opportunity.”
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The only outfielder of the signing group is Grundei from Leander, Texas. She was named a three-time 25-5A All-District selection, 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 and 2023 District 25-5A Newcomer of the Year.
“We are excited to welcome an athlete of Rachel’s character and caliber into our program,” Perry said. “She can hit for both power and average. On defense, she exhibits great range and plays the game with passion.”
Moving around the diamond, the Illini’s two newest infield additions are Staats and Schuffenhauer.
Schuffenhauer, a lefty-hitter from Shelton High School in Washington, is a 2025 All-League MVP and 2024 All-League First Team.
“Hailey is the total package,” Perry said. “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.”
She plays for ai Bandits Fastpitch, primarily as a catcher and corner infielder.
Staats, from Vienna, Virginia, plays for Starz Gold and attends McLean High School. She is a 2025 All-Region First Team and 2025 All-District First Team. She is also a two-sport athlete, participating in flag football as well.
“Riley has all the tools to excel at this level, and we’re thrilled she has chosen to continue her softball career at Illinois,” Perry said. “She has unlimited potential, and we’re excited to see her develop in our system.”
With five new players, Illinois’ 2026 signing class represents the future of the program.
