Redbirds Reward Coach Kristin Gillespie with Contract Extension Through the 2028-29 School Year

NORMAL, Ill. – On Monday, the Illinois State Interim Director of Athletics, Jerri Beggs, announced that they have signed Illinois State Women’s Basketball Coach Kristin Gillespie to a one-year contract extension.

The deal for Gillespie keeps her in the Redbirds’ head coach role through the 2028-29 season.  Throughout her time at ISU, Gillespie has a record of 132-82 through seven seasons. Gillespie has led ISU to four straight postseason appearances and the team’s first Missouri Valley Conference tournament win. She also won MVC Coach of the Year during the 2022-23 campaign.

In a press release from Illinois State Athletics, Gillespie said this regarding her extension.

“Thank you to President Tarhule, Dr. Beggs and Leanna Bordner for their continued support of our program and the trust they have placed in me,” Gillespie said. I absolutely love being a Redbird and being ingrained in the Blo-No community.”

Throughout her time with the Redbirds, Gillespie has changed the Redbirds into a formidable force in the MVC. Gillespie has coached 15 All-MVC selections, including coaching the first player from ISU to get drafted in the NBA, Paige Robinson.

In the press release, Beggs had this to say about Gillespie’s impact on the women’s basketball program.

“In her seven seasons as the leader of our program, Kristen has led her teams to six-straight winning seasons, multiple championships, postseason appearances and national prominence,” said Beggs. “She has been a tremendous leader and mentor for our student-athletes, building relationships on and off the court that will last well into the future.”