Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Black softball coaches at Michigan State, Illinois make history

Associated Press

Sharonda McDonald-Kelley of Michigan State and Tyra Perry from Illinois will meet in a three-game series this weekend that is believed to be the first time two Black female coaches have squared off in a Power Five softball game.

The Spartans were scheduled to play three games at Illinois, starting with Friday's opener.

Perry said she sees the moment as a sign of progress but was disappointed it took this long to happen. She said there are plenty of Black female head coaches and assistant coaches ready to make the jump to a Power Five program.