- East Peoria junior Gracie Ahrens has verbally committed to play Division-I softball at Illinois State University.
- During her sophomore season, Ahrens recorded a .418 batting average with 51 hits, 16 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases.
- Illinois State’s softball program has previously recruited talent from the Peoria area.
EAST PEORIA — Gracie Ahrens will be playing NCAA Division-I college softball.
The East Peoria all-state junior announced on social media Sunday her commitment to Illinois State, picking her college destination ahead of her third varsity season. She had also made unofficial visits to Southeast Missouri State and Butler.
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to Illinois State University,” Ahrens posted, adding thanks to her family and coaches, “to continue both my athletic & academic career!”
During her sophomore season, the infielder posted a .418 average on 51 hits including one double, a home run and 16 RBIs in batting second. She scored 31 runs, walked nine times and stole 17 bases for the Raiders, who went 22-14 this past spring and made a run to a Class 3A regional title game.
Her fielding percentage was .933 with just six errors on 89 total chances, turning five double plays.
Ahrens was named Class 3A Illinois Coaches Association all-state first team, all-Mid-Illini Conference first team and Journal Star all-area honorable mention.
Illinois State is no stranger to Peoria-area softball talent with its current roster featuring former Illini Bluffs catcher Lexi Brinkman. Two-time Journal Star player of the year and East Peoria all-stater Sarah Finck also played for the Redbirds from 2015-18.
ISU is coming off a 24-30 campaign in 2025, going 16-11 in Missouri Valley Conference play but lost in the MVC Tournament semifinals.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
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