Chambana Sun

Illinois women's basketball team is set to open their 2024-25 season with an exhibition game against Lewis University. The match will take place on November 1, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Tickets for the game are available as single-game or season passes.

Fans attending the event can enjoy a Halloween-themed promotion offering free admission for children aged 12 and under who wear costumes. Those unable to attend can watch the game via B1G+, a streaming service of non-televised events by the Big Ten Network.

The Illini are led by head coach Shauna Green, who has compiled a record of 41-25 during her tenure at Illinois. Under her leadership, the team secured their first-ever postseason title in April with a victory over Villanova in the WBIT championship.

Coach Green expressed optimism about her team's prospects this season. "We have worked hard in the offseason and look forward to seeing how our players perform," she stated.

Returning players Makira Cook, Genesis Bryant, and Kendall Bostic have been named to Naismith Award position watch lists. Additionally, freshman Berry Wallace has been recognized as one of ten newcomers expected to make an impact this season.

Several Illini players are approaching career milestones. Adalia McKenzie recently reached her 1,000th career point mark while Makira Cook surpassed 1,500 career points last season.

The team also completed a successful foreign tour in Europe during August where they played exhibition games in Italy and Greece. Coach Green's contract was extended for two more years through at least the 2029-30 season.