Friday’s Michigan State and Illinois college softball game made history with coaches Sharonda McDonald-Kelley (Spartans) and Tyra Perry (Illini). Here’s what you need to know:
- McDonald-Kelley and Perry become the first two Black women coaches to square off in a Power 5 softball matchup.
- Perry and McDonald-Kelley are two of the three Black women coaches across all Power 5 softball programs.
- Illinois defeated Michigan State 4-3.
History = Made ✅#GoGreen | #UNLEASH pic.twitter.com/Nxkr5X1nSV
— MSU Softball (@MSU_Softball) April 21, 2023
Backstory
McDonald-Kelley was named head coach at Michigan State on June 10, 2022. She replaced Jacquie Joseph, who retired after guiding the Spartans for 29 seasons.
McDonald-Kelley previously coached at Campbell from 2019 to 2022. While at Campbell, McDonald-Kelley won the Big South tournament title twice. She amassed a 101-81 record, leading the Camels to the NCAA regional in the last two seasons.
Perry arrived at Illinois in June 2015. She’s led the Illini to the NCAA regional in four of her seasons coaching the program. 2023 marks Perry’s 22nd season as a Division I softball coach. She’s previously coached at Ball State (2014 to 2015), Western Kentucky (2008 to 2013) and Birmingham-Southern (2001 to 2007).
With the win, Illinois…
