With the high school softball season reaching full swing, O'Connell juniorPatty Maye Ohanian can finally relax close to home. The Burke resident's summer travel ball itinerary has taken her to tournaments in Chicago, Colorado and all over California. This past showcase season was particularly stressful.

Ohanian had committed to Illinois before beginning high school, admittedly feeling the pressure to make an early decision and cash in on the promise of a full scholarship offer and a chance to become a power conference pitcher. The situation seemed solid until June.

Terri Sullivan had been the only softball coach to lead the Illini. But after 16 years in Urbana, Ill., Sullivan announced she was retiring, citing family reasons. Illinois moved quickly to replace Sullivan with Coach Tyra Perry, who had spent a year leading Ball State after six years at Western Kentucky. Ohanian reached out as soon as she could.

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