Eastern Illinois University announced this week that Myron Brown and Mickayla Perdue have joined the women's basketball staff as assistant coaches, marking a strategic addition to the program ahead of the 2026‑27 season.
A Fresh Coaching Vision for the Panthers
Brown, a veteran coach with a decade of experience across multiple programs, previously served as head coach at Thomas University in Georgia for five seasons and held assistant roles at New Mexico State, Oakland University and the University of North Florida, bringing a blend of tactical insight and recruiting acumen.
Perdue arrives after a distinguished collegiate playing career that spanned stints at the University of Arizona, Cleveland State, Glenville State and the University of Toledo, where she earned two All‑Horizon League honors and was named Horizon League Player of the Year in 2025.
Beyond the court, Perdue has leveraged her on‑court success into a brand partnership, serving as a national ambassador for Freddy's Steakburgers and the upcoming NBA 2K26, underscoring the university's growing connection to both local and mainstream markets.
The university also opened the window for season ticket renewals for the 2026‑27 campaign, inviting fans to secure their seats through an online portal, a move intended to build momentum as the new coaching duo prepares to shape the team's direction.
Athletic director Marqus McGlothan praised the hires, stating that Brown's proven leadership and Perdue's championship pedigree align perfectly with the program's ambition to compete at the highest level of the Mid‑America conference.
Fans can expect a dynamic blend of experience and youthful energy as the Panthers look to rebound from a challenging recent season, with both new assistants already engaged in recruiting visits and community outreach.
The university's commitment to investing in its women's basketball program reflects a broader trend of elevating women's sports within the institution, a shift that administrators say will resonate with alumni and donors alike.