The Illinois State Redbirds women's basketball program has released its 2026 non‑conference schedule, a slate that blends home comforts at CEFCU Arena with a series of road tests against teams that reached the NCAA tournament a year ago.
Opening night will see the Redbirds host Chicago State on November 2 before heading to Dayton on November 5, setting the tone for a season that features five home contests at the university’s flagship venue.
The home portion continues with matchups against Augustana on November 7 and a showdown with Green Bay on November 14, the latter against a squad that finished 25‑9 and advanced to the NCAA tournament.
Road Warriors and Tournament Foes
The road stretch includes trips to Saint Louis, Loyola Chicago, Stonehill, Harvard, Northwestern and Eastern Illinois, each offering a chance to measure the team against strong competition.
Later in the month the Redbirds will host Loyola Chicago on November 17 and travel to South Dakota State on December 6, a team that posted a 27‑7 record and made its 14th NCAA appearance since 2009.
The schedule also features an East Coast swing against Stonehill on November 22 and Harvard on November 25, followed by a final home game versus South Dakota State on December 6 before the team wraps up the regular season with a road game at Indiana on December 13.
Returning for her senior year, Nevaeh Thomas joins forces with MVC assists leader Trista Fayta, while seven newcomers — including Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year Danyella Mporokoso and transfers Chloe Spreen, Hannah Chicken, Ella Mason, Kennedy Stowers, Madison Young and Christina Köppel — add depth and fresh talent.
With a 24‑14 record last season and a WNIT Championship game appearance, the Redbirds are poised to leverage their experience and new recruits to chase a deeper NCAA run.