The Illinois State Women's Basketball team has announced its 2026 non-conference schedule, featuring five home games and challenges against teams from last season's postseason. The schedule includes matchups with four teams that participated in the postseason, including two that reached the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Kristen Gillespie expressed confidence that the schedule will prepare the team for the rigors of conference play. The Redbirds will kick off their season with a home game against Chicago State on November 2 and a challenging road game against Dayton three days later. With seven returning players and several newcomers, the team is focusing on building off its successful past seasons.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois State finished last season with a 24-14 record and reached the WNIT Championship game.
  • The Redbirds' 2026 schedule includes four teams that participated in last season's NCAA or WNIT tournaments.
State of Play
  • ISU's opening game is November 2 against Chicago State, followed by a road game against Dayton on November 5.
  • The schedule includes marquee matchups against Green Bay and South Dakota State, both of which had strong seasons last year.
What's Next

The team will closely monitor its performance in these challenging non-conference games as a measure of their readiness for the Missouri Valley Conference, aiming for a seamless transition into league play after their preliminary matches.

Bottom Line

This rigorous non-conference slate is designed to test Illinois State's depth and resilience, providing critical preparation for a competitive conference season ahead. The focus will be on leveraging their returners and integrating newcomers effectively to maintain their winning trajectory.