A New Era for Redbird Basketball
The university revealed this week that both Gillespie and Pedon have signed extensions that run through the 2030‑31 academic year, a move that underscores the administration's confidence in the programs' trajectories.
Under Gillespie's guidance, the women's team has become a fixture in the national postseason, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and battling to the WNIT Championship game the previous season. Her tenure has also produced four straight 20‑win campaigns, the longest such streak for the program since the late 2000s.
Pedon, meanwhile, engineered a 23‑13 record that carried the men's squad to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament, with victories over Kent State, Wake Forest and Dayton punctuating the run. The achievement marks the first back‑to‑back 20‑win seasons for the Redbirds in more than a decade.
Historic Milestones and Legacy
Gillespie's ascent has placed her among the all‑time winningest coaches in Missouri Valley Conference history, joining the legendary Jill Hutchison on the list. Her overall record at Illinois State stands at 181‑109, while her conference tally of 111‑59 reflects sustained competitiveness since she took the helm in 2017.
Pedon's impact is equally notable. He is one of only two head coaches in school history to improve or match their win total in each of their first four seasons, a testament to his steady development of the program.
The extensions also resonate beyond the hardwood. University President Tarhule highlighted the contracts as a cornerstone of the institution's broader athletic strategy, emphasizing continuity and ambition as the Redbirds aim for continued excellence.