Breaking: Head coach Kristen Gillespie Bags Major Deal with Illinois State

Kristen Gillespie has signed an extension to continue as the head coach of Illinois State women’s basketball through the 2028-29 season.

Since taking over a program that won only two games in the previous season, Gillespie has led the team to a strong record of 132-82. She guided the program to its first Missouri Valley Conference tournament title in 14 years.

Under her leadership, the Redbirds have made four consecutive postseason appearances, with a March Madness bid in 2022—marking their first since 2008. This achievement earned Gillespie the MVC Coach of the Year award, the first since Stephanie Glance in 2012.

Apart from her first season, the Redbirds have never finished below .500 under her guidance.

Gillespie’s successes at ISU include coaching 15 All-MVC selections and helping Paige Robinson become the first player from ISU to be selected in the WNBA.