The Ballers cheering section was created by Becki Kasper and Jason Moore in 2001, one year after the softball field was built. Since the sections conception the Lady Illini have had numerous Big Ten and All Regional players recognized for their awesome performance in regular season play. Along with their amazing singles recognition they have had many victories against ranked teams including the heated rivals of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

In 2006 The Ballers teamed up with the On-Deck Circle to increase the opportunities for students cheering on the Illini Softball team. The Ballers quickly became one of the most intimidating softball cheering section in the Big Ten and the nation.

The 2007 season expects to see much more of the same as the Ballers will be out in force at every Illini home game. Being led by Jason Kaye and Jason Ryan, the Ballers will continue to be the dominate Big Ten Softball Cheering Section.