Breaking news: The Illinois Softball team has just signed two players to replace the two loss ones.

Breaking news: The Illinois Softball team has just signed two players to replace the two loss ones.

Champaign, IL — In a swift and strategic move following the tragic loss of two team members, the Illinois Fighting Illini women’s softball team has officially signed two new players to their roster. The announcement, made Tuesday morning by head coach Jenna Simmons, comes just days after a somber week of mourning within the program.

The new additions — sophomore infielder Kyra Dawson from Michigan State transfer and freshman pitcher Alina Reyes from Los Angeles — are expected to immediately join the team for the remainder of the season and participate in upcoming practices.

“This is a very emotional moment for us all,” said Coach Simmons at a press briefing. “We lost two incredible young women who were not only elite athletes, but sisters in every sense. But we also know they would want this team to keep moving forward, to stay strong, and to continue playing the game they loved.”

Honoring the Fallen

The signings come after the unexpected deaths of junior outfielder Riley James and senior pitcher Tasha Green, both of whom were involved in a fatal highway collision just outside of Urbana last weekend. The team and university have held multiple vigils in their memory, with hundreds of fans and students attending.

“These new players aren’t just here to play ball,” said team captain Mariah Lowe. “They’re here to help us rebuild, to honor Riley and Tasha with every pitch, every hit, and every inning.”

Meet the New Additions

Kyra Dawson, 19, brings a fierce defensive presence and a solid bat from her previous stint at Michigan State, where she posted a .302 batting average and earned All-Big Ten honors her freshman year. Known for her versatility in both the infield and outfield, she expressed both excitement and humility at joining Illinois during such a sensitive time.

“I didn’t expect this chapter to open this way,” Dawson said. “But I’m here to give everything I’ve got — for my new team, for the girls who came before me, and for the game we all love.”

Alina Reyes, an 18-year-old rising star from California’s elite West Bay Academy, was previously committed to a Pac-12 school before making the late decision to join Illinois. Her fastball tops out at 66 mph, and she’s already being called “the future of the mound” by local sports reporters.

“I’m honored to wear this jersey,” said Reyes. “I know the responsibility I carry coming into a team that’s hurting. I’m here to listen, to learn, and to lead when the time comes.”

A New Chapter Begins

With conference play looming and emotions still raw, the team is balancing competition with healing. Coaches have emphasized emotional resilience, and grief counselors remain on standby as the program processes one of the most difficult weeks in its history.

“These new signings mark more than a roster change,” said Athletic Director Rachel Chen. “They mark a continuation of hope, unity, and the enduring strength of this community.”

The Fighting Illini are set to return to the field this weekend in a home doubleheader, where tributes to James and Green will continue. Coach Simmons confirmed that both Dawson and Reyes will be suited up and ready to play.

“We’re not just playing to win,” Simmons said. “We’re playing to remember.”