Shannon Nicholson is starting a new journey this season as head softball coach at the University of Illinois Springfield.
With a record of 8-3, a national tournament is likely in the foreseeable future for the Prairie Stars. Though, this may be Nicholson's first year as head coach, she's no stranger to softball in Central Illinois.
Her journey as a player began at nearby Chatham Glenwood. Nicholson took her game to the next level after graduating when she accepted a full scholarship at Illinois State as a pitcher.
There, she earned a number of awards, including Easton All-American and Athlete-of-the-year in '07. Nicholson says the opportunity to come back home and coach has been the best part.
"I think being from this area, you know how hard the girls work, and they're really great athletes to have so being able to coach here in Springfield it just ties everything together really", Nicholson said.
Nicholson was featured by FOX 55/27 Illinois on March 3, 2015.
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