It has been announced Lance McMahon will join in a role as the team’s pitching and catching coach.

“Lance is one of the up and coming coaches in softball,” said head coach Tyra Perry in a press release. “He is a true student of the game. He has been mentored by some of the top coaches in the sport and has worked with collegiate softball teams that consistently compete at the NCAA Tournament level. He is a men’s fastpitch pitcher and will use that knowledge and expertise to enhance Illinois pitchers as well as our hitters.”

McMahon leaves LSU following two consecutive NCAA Regional Championships and a trip to the College World Series.

Illinois last season finished 36-23 (fifth-most wins in program history) in Perry’s first year with the program, making a regional appearance for the first time since 2010. The Illini will face a new challenge next season after the departure of five seniors.