D1Ohio Valley
Competitive

Panthers Softball

Eastern Illinois University

Ohio Valley · Charleston, IL

Strong ProgramGrads earn $52K/yr

$13K

In-state tuition

Out-of-state: $16K

Up to 25

Scholarships

allowed under 2025 roster-limit rules (funding varies by program)

45%

Graduation rate

Room & board: $11K

NCAA Tournament 3 of last 5 years

2023-2024 data via IPEDS

Program Info

Division
D1
Conference
Ohio Valley
Location
Charleston, IL
Scholarships
Up to 25 (2025 roster rules)

What Eastern Illinois Coaches Look For

Recruiting benchmarks for Mid-Major programs. Min = on the radar, Competitive = solidly in the pool, Elite = stands out.

Pitching Velocity
61 mphMin
64 mphCompetitive
68 mphElite
Exit Velocity (Tee)
69 mphMin
72 mphCompetitive
76 mphElite
Home to 1st (RH)
3.2 secMin
3 secCompetitive
2.9 secElite
Overhand Throw (IF)
58 mphMin
61 mphCompetitive
64 mphElite
Pop Time (2B)
1.95 secMin
1.85 secCompetitive
1.75 secElite
GPA
3Min
3.2Competitive
3.5Elite

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Benchmarks compiled from recruiting services. Individual programs may have different expectations based on roster needs.

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Grade:

Recruiting Timeline

D1 contact rules for Eastern Illinois. Select your graduation year to see personalized deadlines.

Class of 2028 — currently a Junior

When Coaches Can Contact You

September 1 of junior year — coaches can call, text, email, and DM on social media

Campus Visits

Official and unofficial visits with the coaching staff can begin September 1 of junior year (campus visits without recruiting contact are allowed anytime)

Offers & Commitments

Verbal offers can happen anytime (not binding). Written aid offers are signed during the early or regular signing period (the NLI was eliminated in October 2024).

Key Dates

  • September 1, junior year — official contact begins
  • September 1, junior year — official and unofficial visits can begin
  • Early signing period (November) — written aid offer signing
  • Regular signing period (April) — written aid offer signing

Updated for 2025-2026 NCAA rules

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Coaching Staff

Kristi Paulson

Head Coach

k•••@eiu.edu

Denise Godwin

Assistant Coach

d•••@eiu.edu

Hallie Mitchell

Assistant Coach - Softball

h•••@eiu.edu
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Camps & Clinics

Camp dates not yet available for Eastern Illinois.

Search for "Eastern Illinois softball camp" for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get recruited by Eastern Illinois University softball?

Start by filling out the Eastern Illinois University recruiting questionnaire, then email the coaching staff directly. Attend camps and showcases where Eastern Illinois University coaches are present. CommitBound can help you track your outreach and build recruiting habits.

Does Eastern Illinois University offer softball scholarships?

Eastern Illinois University is a D1 program. Up to 25 scholarships are allowed under the 2025 roster-limit rules, though funding varies by program.

Who is the head coach at Eastern Illinois University?

The current head coach is Kristi Paulson. Verified coach email access is available with a free CommitBound account.

Follow Eastern Illinois Softball

Location

Recruiting Difficulty

Competitive

This is a competitive D1 program. Strong travel ball and academic credentials are expected. Start reaching out to coaches early.

Graduate Outcomes

Median earnings (10yr)
$51,989/yr
Median earnings (6yr)
$42,694/yr
Median student debt
$21,500
Admission rate
65%

Average Value — based on earnings vs. cost of attendance

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

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More D1 Programs in IL

Quick Facts

Division
D1
Conference
Ohio Valley
State
IL
Camps Listed
Coming soon

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