Madison Dabrowski Director of Women's Basketball Branding & Creative Media | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Madison Dabrowski Director of Women's Basketball Branding & Creative Media | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Fighting Illini women's basketball head coach Shauna Green has announced the addition of Liza Fruendt to the coaching staff as an assistant coach. Fruendt comes to Illinois after three seasons with Tennessee's program.
"I'm very excited to have Liza join our staff," said Green. "She brings great experience from her time at Tennessee and I'm looking forward to her bringing fresh ideas to our program. She knows what it takes to make runs in the NCAA tournament and recruit elite student-athletes from her time at Tennessee. Liza was a great player at Missouri State and will be able to use that knowledge as she helps our players develop both on and off the floor. I also love that she is from Illinois and has a passion for this state."
Fruendt expressed enthusiasm about joining the team, stating, "I am so excited to join Coach Shauna and to be coming home to the state of Illinois. The opportunity to join a program on the rise with an elite coaching staff is something I couldn't pass up. I am extremely grateful to Coach Shauna for the opportunity to join the FamILLy and ready to get to work!"
Before joining Illinois, Fruendt was part of Tennessee's staff where she started as director of recruiting operations in 2021-22 before becoming an assistant coach following NCAA legislation changes in July 2023.
During her tenure, Tennessee achieved a 20-13 record in the 2023-24 season, reaching the SEC Tournament semifinals and winning their NCAA Tournament First Round game against Green Bay before losing in the Second Round.
Fruendt contributed significantly during her time at Tennessee, including two consecutive Sweet 16 appearances (2022 & 2023) and helping secure top-rated recruits like Rickea Jackson, Jasmine Powell, Jasmine Franklin, and Kaniya Boyd.
Her previous experience includes working as a senior associate consultant for Cerner Corporation in 2020-21 and serving as a graduate assistant with Kansas City's women's basketball program.
A native of Batavia, Illinois, Fruendt graduated from Missouri State with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2018 and earned her master's degree from Kansas City in 2020.
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