McLean County Times

Illinois State University's women's basketball team has strengthened its lineup with the addition of De'Shawnti Thomas for the 2024-2025 season. Head Coach Kristen Gillespie announced Thomas's transfer from Old Dominion, where she was sidelined last year due to injury.

"We are so excited to welcome De'Shawnti into our Redbird family," Gillespie stated. "She is a dynamic guard who can play multiple positions. Our staff knew we needed a big guard who could score, defend, and rebound and we found that in Da'Shawnti."

Thomas previously played two seasons at Seward County Community College, making significant contributions by helping her team reach the Region 6 Semifinals during her freshman year in 2021-22. During her time there, she appeared in 62 games and started 34 times. In her sophomore year, she averaged 11.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

The Illinois State Redbirds are set to benefit from Thomas's skills alongside other new additions such as Elyce Knudsen from Millikin University, Addi Martin from Abilene Christian University, and Nevaeh Thomas from Evansville University. The team's returning players include Shannon Dowell and Maya Wong.

Last season, the Redbirds made it to the WNIT Super 16, marking their fourth consecutive postseason appearance and achieving back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.

GoRedbirds.com provides further information on tickets and merchandise related to Illinois State athletics.