Sarah Reifsteck Office Manager | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Sarah Reifsteck Office Manager | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The University of Illinois has announced a two-year contract extension for Shauna Green, head coach of the women's basketball team. This extension, subject to approval by the University's Board of Trustees on November 14, will extend Green's tenure through at least the 2029-30 season. The agreement also includes the possibility of four additional one-year extensions based on performance.
"Shauna Green has invigorated Fighting Illini Women's Basketball and positioned us for sustained success," said Josh Whitman, Illinois Director of Athletics. He praised her leadership qualities and the program's rapid progress under her guidance, including an NCAA Tournament appearance and a WBIT title in her first two years. Whitman also noted record attendance and increased community enthusiasm as key achievements during Green's tenure.
Green expressed gratitude towards Whitman for his support and commitment to women's basketball at Illinois. "His vision and commitment to women's basketball was the reason I came to Illinois and continues to be the reason I want to stay here," she stated. She also thanked her coaching staff and players for their dedication to building a championship program.
Under Green's leadership, Illinois achieved a 41-25 record with significant accomplishments such as back-to-back top-five season attendances at State Farm Center. The team recorded its first-ever postseason championship in 2024 (WBIT) and delivered notable upsets against AP Top-15 ranked teams Iowa and Indiana.
Green is recognized as the first coach in Illinois women's basketball history to lead the team to winning seasons in their initial two years. Her impact includes six postseason wins in her first two campaigns, surpassing previous records set by other coaches at Illinois.
In addition to on-court success, Green's influence extends into academics where twelve athletes have been named Academic All-Big Ten honorees under her leadership. Notably, Kendall Bostic earned the prestigious 2024 Big Ten Medal of Honor while maintaining a high team GPA across two seasons.
Green became head coach on March 21, 2022, initially signing a six-year contract through the 2027-28 season.
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