McLean County Times

Illinois State University has extended the contract of women's basketball coach Kristen Gillespie through the 2029-30 season. The announcement was made by Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs.

Under Gillespie's leadership, the Redbirds have reached five consecutive postseason appearances, including a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2022. This marks only the second time in the NCAA era that Illinois State has achieved at least five consecutive postseason bids. With a current record of 22-12, Gillespie has led the team to three straight seasons with over 20 wins, a feat last accomplished from 2008-09 to 2010-11. This is also the longest active streak among all Division I women's teams in Illinois.

Gillespie recently secured her 145th win with Illinois State, placing her second on the program's all-time wins list. Since she took over in 2017, Gillespie has guided the team to an overall record of 155-94 and a Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) record of 98-52.

"I am very excited to have my contract extended through 2030," said Gillespie. "Illinois State is a special place, and I appreciate the support that our program receives from President Tarhule, Dr. Jeri Beggs and Leanna Bordner. I'm incredibly proud of all we have accomplished on the court, in the community and in the classroom. Go Birds!"

In 2023, Gillespie was named MVC Coach of the Year after leading Illinois State to its first MVC regular season title since 2010. The team finished that season with a record of 24-9, including a remarkable 17 MVC victories—the most for Illinois State since the mid-1980s.

Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Illinois State leads all women's basketball programs in Illinois with a total of 103 wins and a winning percentage of nearly 65%. Against in-state opponents since the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign, they boast an impressive record of 45-10 overall and are particularly dominant at home with a record of 25-2.

"Kristen has made a tremendous impact on Illinois State University, Redbird Athletics and our women's basketball program," said Beggs. "I am excited that she will be representing our university for many years to come."

When Gillespie joined in 2017, she inherited a team coming off three consecutive single-digit win seasons and a challenging period highlighted by a two-win campaign in 2014-15. She quickly turned things around by achieving Illinois State's first winning season in six years during her second year as head coach.

Gillespie's tenure includes coaching several standout players who have received various MVC honors such as All-MVC selections and individual awards like MVC Newcomer and Player of the Year accolades. Notably, Paige Robinson became Illinois State's first-ever WNBA draft pick when selected by Dallas Wings in 2023.

For more information about tickets or merchandise related to Illinois State sports events visit GoRedbirds.com or use their official app.