CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a remarkable achievement, the Illinois women's basketball team has sold out their reserved lower bowl season tickets for two consecutive years, marking a first in the program's history. This milestone comes during a period of revitalization under head coach Shauna Green, who is entering her fifth season at the helm of the Illini.
Coach Green has played a pivotal role in transforming the team’s performance. After enduring a 20-year absence from the NCAA Tournament, Illinois has made significant strides, securing three tournament appearances in the last four years. Additionally, the team has celebrated three seasons with 20 or more wins, showcasing their competitive edge. With a roster that was one of the youngest in the nation last year, the Illini are gearing up for what they hope will be a breakthrough season, aiming to advance to the second weekend of March Madness.
The surge in attendance at Illinois home games can be attributed to the impressive performances by both the players and coaching staff. Under Green's leadership, three of the top five highest home crowd attendance figures have been recorded, including a notable sellout against USC last February, which marked the third sellout in program history. The total attendance for the 2025-26 season approached 100,000, making it the second-most successful season in terms of attendance in the history of Illinois women’s basketball.
Home court advantage has been a significant factor in the Illini's success during Green's tenure. Over the past four seasons, the team has posted an impressive 51-15 record at State Farm Center, demonstrating their ability to protect their home court. This strong performance has included nine victories against ranked opponents, five of which were achieved on their home turf, highlighted by a stunning upset over No. 7 ranked Maryland on New Year’s Day 2026.
As the Illinois women's basketball team looks ahead, they are determined to build on their recent successes. With the momentum generated from their past performances and the enthusiastic support from their fans, the Illini are poised for what they hope will be a record-breaking season. The combination of a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff sets the stage for an exciting year ahead.
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