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Illinois Women’s Basketball Soars to historic Start, Eyes Big Ten Dominance
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Illinois women’s Basketball is experiencing a remarkable season, currently boasting a 13-1 record – the best start in program history – and poised to make a notable impact in the Big Ten Conference. Under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Shauna Green, the Fighting Illini are not only winning games but are also setting new benchmarks for program success.
A Record-Breaking Start to the Season
The Illini’s current 13-1 record surpasses all previous starts in program history, marking a new era for Illinois Women’s Basketball. This notable run ties the longest winning streak in program history at 11 games, a feat previously achieved during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons following their WBIT championship. “This team has a different level of focus and determination,” a senior official stated.
Key Players Driving the Success
Several players are contributing to the team’s success. Sophomore Berry Wallace is leading the charge, averaging 17.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game – a significant jump from her 9.0 ppg average last season.Wallace has already recorded seven 20-point games this season and opened the year with four consecutive such performances, a feat unmatched by any other player in a Power Five conference.
Alongside Wallace, Gretchen Dolan is averaging 17.3 points per game against Big Ten opponents, while Cearah Parchment has registered four double-doubles. Destiny Jackson contributes with 8.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack. Jasmine Brown-Hagger adds valuable experience and defensive intensity.
Here’s a look at the starting lineup from their last game against Maryland:
| Pos. | No. | Name | Ht. | Yr. | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | GDP | Season Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 2 | Destiny Jackson | 5-6 | Fr. | 8.0 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 7.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.3 apg vs. B1G |
| G | 4 | Gretchen dolan | 5-11 | R-So. | 15.1 | 3.2 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 0.4 | Averaging 17.3 ppg vs. B1G |
| G | 8 | Jasmine Brown-Hagger | 5-9 | Jr. | 6.0 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.2 | |
| F | 10 | Cearah Parchment | 6-2 | Sr. | 10.1 | 6.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.3 | Four double-doubles this season |
| F | 23 | Berry Wallace | 6-1 | So. | 17.9 | 7.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 | Seven 20-point games this season |
The team is also demonstrating impressive shooting accuracy, currently boasting an impressive 83.1% mark from the charity stripe.
Medical Hardship Waiver for Gretchen Dolan
Adding to the positive momentum, illinois received news on December 12, 2025, that Gretchen Dolan’s medical hardship waiver for the 2024-25 season had been approved by the NCAA, restoring a year of eligibility for the redshirt sophomore.
