Original article (Context Extension Announced For Gillespie) published on the Illinois State University Athletics website.

Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs announced on Thursday that contracts have been extended for ISU women’s basketball head coach Kristen Gillespie (TEXT REMOVED) through 2031. The news comes after both programs saw extended postseason success during the 2025-26 season.

“Kristen (TEXT REMOVED) continue to make a tremendous impact on Illinois State University, Redbird Athletics and our basketball programs,” Beggs stated. “The end of the basketball season was a thrilling one for both programs last year, with the women advancing to the WNIT Championship game and the men playing to their first NIT semifinal in program history. These two have led our basketball programs to success on and off the court, and I look forward to having them represent our department and the University for years to come. The future is bright for both our programs, thanks to the hard work and dedication Kristen, (TEXT REMOVED), their coaches and staffs have poured into our student-athletes.”

Gillespie has guided the Redbirds to six consecutive postseason appearances, which includes a trip to the 2022 NCAA Tournament and to the WNIT Championship game last year. With a 24-14 record during the 2025-26 season, Gillespie and the Redbirds secured a 20-win campaign for the fourth-consecutive season, marking the first time since 2007-08 to 2010-11 that the program has earned four consecutive seasons with 20+ wins. Illinois State’s 24 wins last season tie the 2022-23 squad for the most in a single season under head coach Kristen Gillespie.

Last season, Gillespie moved into the Top 10 all-time in wins in Missouri Valley Conference history and joins legendary head coach Jill Hutchison on the list, making ISU the only school with two coaches in the top 10 all-time in wins. She has led Illinois State to a 181-109 overall record and a 111-59 MVC record since taking over the program in 2017.

“I want to sincerely thank President Tarhule and Dr. Beggs for their unwavering support and belief in our vision,” Gillespie said. “This contract extension reflects the commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and everyone who has had a hand in our success. We still have so much more to accomplish, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

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