Two Black Big Ten softball coaches will make history this weekend.
According to the Associated Press, a first-ever meeting will take place this weekend in the world of college softball. It’s believed to be the first time that two Black women coaches will face each other in Power Five softball.
“In what’s believed to be a first in Power Five softball, two Black women – Tyra Perry of Illinois and Sharonda McDonald-Kelley of Michigan State – are coaching against each other this weekend,” the AP Top 25 Twitter account tweeted.
In what's believed to be a first in Power Five softball, two Black women — Tyra Perry of Illinois and Sharonda McDonald-Kelley of Michigan State — are coaching against each other this weekend.https://t.co/sDbIq1Ty1Q
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) April 22, 2023
Perry spoke to the Associated Press about the historic series.
“I think it’s great that we’re evolving and becoming more diverse in our sport. I think it’s been a long time coming, so I’m happy to be a part of that particular change,” Perry told the AP.
Perry noted that whenever there are firsts of these types of things, “It’s kind of mind-blowing that we’ve come along this far, and this is the first time something like this has happened. It’s taken too long,” she said to the AP.
Michigan State and Illinois have struggled this season, posting a combined 6-24 record in Big Ten play this season. But despite that, the two sides will make significant history this weekend when they square off on the diamond. For something bigger than the game.
