Shauna Green: A Coaching Giant in Her Third Season at Illinois
In her third season as head coach of the Fighting Illini women’s basketball team, Shauna Green has solidified her place among the elite. Green’s illustrious career includes 218 wins with a .673 winning percentage across 11 seasons, and she has earned 189 wins at the Division I level, holding a .700 record over nine seasons.
Illinois: Heading into National Play with a Strong Record
The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team is ranked 25th in the NCAA and 4th in the Big Ten, a testament to Green’s leadership. This season marks Illinois’ third straight year in the Top-25 rankings under Green, with a current overall record of 21-6 and a Big Ten record of 11-5.
A Glimpse into the Starting Lineup
| Illinois Starters Last Game | ||||||||||
| Pos. | No. | Name | Ht. | Yr. | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | Season Note |
| G | 1 | Genesis Bryant | 5-6 | 5th | 14.7 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 10+ points in nine straight games |
| G | 24 | Adalia McKenzie | 5-10 | Sr. | 13.6 | 4.7 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 0.1 | Has 10+ points in 12 of 16 Big Ten games and in 21 games overall this season |
| F | 20 | Berry Wallace | 6-1 | Fr. | 8.8 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | Scored 13 points in first-career start at #3 UCLA on Thursday |
| F | 23 | Brynn Shoup-Hill | 6-3 | Sr. | 5.3 | 6.0 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.9 | Has 8+ rebounds in nine games this season |
| F | 44 | Kendall Bostic | 6-2 | 5th | 15.6 | 11.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 1.0 | Became the program’s career rebounding leader against Purdue on Jan. 27 |
Huge Wins over Ranked Teams
Illinois has achieved significant milestones, including multiple wins over ranked opponents and a win over Maryland, their first against a top 25-ranked team in school history since 1979. This season, the team has already defeated five ranked teams, demonstrating remarkable competitiveness.
Kendall Bostic: A Rebounding Machine
Central to Illinois’ success is fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic. On January 27, Bostic broke Jenna Smith’s program record by becoming the all-time leading rebounder with 1,218 career rebounds. Just days later, she moved into third place on the Big Ten’s career rebounding list. Bostic has 51 double-doubles in her Illinois career, risking a potential record, and consistently averages 11.1 rebounds per game.
Completing a Season of Triumph
This season represents a momentous achievement for Illinois. With a win over Penn State, they clinched their eight-game Big Ten winning streak, a new program record. This run was characterized by an average margin of 15.4 points, stellar shooting both from the field and the free throw line, and exemplary defense.
The Journey Continues
The Fighting Illini face No. 4 USC on Sunday, their first meeting with the team. Illinois enters this game with a record of 21-6 overall and 11-5 in Big Ten play, a testament to their resilience and skill under Shauna Green’s guidance.
Upcoming National Games
Illinois has eight nationally televised games on their 2024-25 schedule, including facing top-tier opponents like USD, Ohio State, and UCLA on the Big Ten Network, along with USC on Fox Sports 1.
| ILLINI ON TV | ||||
| Date | Opponent | Score | Network | |
| Feb. 23, 2025 | at No. 4 USC | TBA | Fox Sports 1 | |
Key Performance Highlights
In their recent six-game winning streak, the Fighting Illini showcased superior shooting and rebounding, attributes which have become hallmarks of Shauna Green’s team. Among the standout performances, Genesis Bryant averaged 20.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.33 assists over a three-game stretch in January, leading the Fighting Illini to victory against Rutgers and Maryland.
Battle Against Injuries
Despite the departure of several key players due to injuries, the Fighting Illini have continued to compete at a high level. Since the beginning of the season, Illinois has faced the loss of players including Bostic, Bryant, and ””Makira Cook, who missed 12 games with an ongoing health condition.
Big Ten Road Dominance
Recent victories against Indiana, Northwestern, Rutgers, Maryland, and Wisconsin have solidified Illinois’ reputation as a formidable road team. Under Shauna Green’s leadership, the Fighting Illini have achieved 13 road wins against Big Ten opponents, a result that places them in a tie for the second-most road wins by an Illinois women’s basketball team in program history.
Green’s Coaching Legacy Peaks
Shauna Green not only ranks among the top coaches in Illinois history but is also one of the fastest-reaching her 50th victory. In just 77 games, she has already secured her spot alongside Theresa Grentz, the all-time winningest coach in Illinois women’s basketball history, on this esteemed list.
| GREEN’S COACHING STATISTICS | ||||
| Rank | Coach | # | Seasons | Tenure |
| T1 | Shauna Green | 77 | 3 | 2022-Present |
| T1 | Theresa Grentz | 77 | 12 | 1995-2007 |
Home Court Advantage
Illinois’ success extends beyond road games. They have won 13 consecutive games at home, a streak only second to the record 18-game winning streak under Theresa Grentz in the 1998-99 season. This home court advantage has been crucial in the team’s overall success and in drawing large crowds.
| ILLINOIS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LONGEST HOME WIN STREAKS | |||
| Streak | First Win | Last Win | Illini Head Coach |
| 13 games | 2/19/2024 | 12/28/2024 | Shauna Green |
| T1. 18 games | 12/20/1997 | 01/5/1999 | Theresa Grentz |
USC: A New Challenge
Illinois faces off against the top-ranked USC team on Sunday, a game that will test their mettle against a tough opponent. USC boasts a 24-2 record overall and a perfect 14-1 in Big Ten play, making it a challenging match-up for the Fighting Illini. The Trojans have defeated top teams like No. 8 Ohio State, No. 1 UCLA, and No. 22 Michigan State recently, solidifying their status as one of the best teams in college basketball.
Historical Achievements
The Fighting Illini have achieved several historical milestones this season. They have won five ranked games under Green, matched the record for quickest to 20 victories in a season, and established a new single-game record for fewest turnovers in a Top-25 game. Additionally, Bostic’s career rebounding record and top-six NCAA ranking highlight Illinois’ impact on the collegiate basketball landscape.
Shauna Green’s Leadership
Shauna Green’s leadership has not only elevated player performance but has also rejuvenated the fan base. Since taking over the program, Green has brought in high attendance figures, secured national rankings, and delivered a first-ever NCAA postseason championship in 2024. These achievements underscore her impact and the success green continues to bring to Illinois women’s basketball.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, Illinois and Shauna Green have set ambitious goals. Their continued strategy to focus on strong defense, clutch shooting, and excellent rebounding positions them well for future success. With their contract extension, Green remains committed to leading the Illinois women’s basketball team to new heights.
Engage with the Fighting Illini
Stay updated with all the action, live stats, and game highlights on the Busey Bank Illini Sports Network and FightingIllini.com/wbb. Mike Koon will be calling the action for Illinois women’s basketball on Sunday’s game against USC at 3 p.m. CT on FS1.
Fan Engagement
Illinois women’s basketball has seen a surge in fan engagement thanks to their exceptional performances. During games, fans fill the stands to cheer on the Fighting Illini. This season, Illinois has attracted more than 77,500 fans to State Farm Center, ranking third best in a season in program history.
| HOME ATTENDANCE NUMBERS | ||||
| Attendance | Opponent | Result | Illini Head Coach | Date |
| 13,486 | Le Moyne | W, 94-25 | Shauna Green | 11/18/2024 |
| 11,563 | Saint Peter’s | W, 103-33 | Shauna Green | 11/15/2023 |
Sharp Shooters Impacting the Game
Genesis Bryant is one of the most effective three-point shooters at Illinois. Through her nine seasons at Illinois, she has connected on 191 three-pointers, making her fourth on the career list. Her recent clean shooting from beyond the arc, including 38.0% on 142 attempts, has made a significant impact on game outcomes.
| ILLINOIS’ CAREER MADE 3-POINTER LEADERS | ||||
| Rank | Player | Years | Games | Makes |
| 4 | Genesis Bryant | 2022-Present | 92 | 191 |
Conclusion
Illinois women’s basketball continues to thrive under Shauna Green’s guidance. With an impressive record, strong performances, and a season filled with historic achievements, the Fighting Illini are poised for continued success. As they head into their game against USC, we can expect nothing but intense competition and a thrilling battle for supremacy in the Big Ten.
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