Mickayla Perdue, a former Arizona women's basketball standout, has transitioned from the court to the sidelines, accepting an assistant coaching position at Eastern Illinois.
A career shaped by resilience
Perdue's playing journey spanned multiple programs, including Toledo, Glenville State, Cleveland State and Arizona, where she earned Horizon League Newcomer of the Year honors and ultimately the league's Player of the Year title. At Glenville State she helped the squad to a 33‑3 record and a DII Final Four appearance, showcasing the ability to elevate teams in short spans.
Her final season at Arizona ended abruptly with a wrist injury that forced her to miss the remainder of the campaign, a setback that could have concluded her playing career. Instead, the experience sparked a desire to give back to the game she loves.
A new chapter with the Panthers
She will join head coach Marqus McGlothan, who was named permanent head coach ahead of the 2025‑26 season, as an assistant. Together they hope to reverse a disappointing recent campaign and rebuild confidence within the program.
Perdue's own path — from limited minutes as a freshman to becoming a leading scorer who averaged over 20 points per game in her last two collegiate seasons — offers a narrative she intends to share with younger teammates, using her story as a blueprint for perseverance.
Looking forward
The former Horizon League Player of the Year is eager to translate her on‑court achievements into developmental impact off it, aiming to inspire the next generation of players while contributing to the Panthers' resurgence.