July 29, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Jill Hutchison retired from coaching basketball in 1999 after 461 wins in 28 seasons as Illinois State head basketball coach. But current Redbird coach Robin Pingeton believes that Hutchison, now a radio and television basketball analyst, would have enjoyed coaching Holly Hallstrom. The senior Redbird center is the 2005 recipient of the Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship, named for the Redbird basketball coach who was a pioneer and advocate for women in sports throughout her coaching career.
Like Hutchison, Pingeton believes Hallstrom represents Illinois State and women's basketball in the best possible way.
"Holly is a great role model and an ambassador for this program and Illinois State University," said Pingeton. "Her work ethic, positive attitude, competitive spirit and dedication have earned her the respect of her teammates and coaches. Coach Hutchison always stressed those values and the importance of team. Holly is that kind of player."
Hallstrom, who led the Redbirds in rebounding as a junior in her first season at Illinois State, helped the Redbirds earn a bid to the 2005 NCAA Tournament by winning the 2005 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship is an award which Pingeton believes represents the best in Redbird basketball.
"Coach Hutchison has done so much for this program, for Illinois State and for the community," said Pingeton, entering her third season as Redbird head coach. "I have the utmost respect for the foundation she laid here and what she has done for women's basketball. Integrity, enthusiasm, passion for the game and a great understanding for the importance of team are qualities she values, and, when I think of candidates for the scholarship honoring her, Holly stands out."
A transfer from Kirkwood Community College in 2004, Hallstrom earned the respect of her opponents from the start of her Redbird career. Her 23 points against No. 10 Notre Dame in her Redbird debut opened the door to a season in which she scored in double figures seven times and rebounded in double figures nine times. Her 7.3 rebounds per game were No. 6 in the Valley and led all first-year MVC players.
The former Moline High School all-stater feels honored to be recognized for the Hutchison scholarship.
"It is humbling to receive an honor in Jill Hutchison's name," said Hallstrom. "Everyone on our team respects her for what she has done for basketball and for Illinois State. Really, though, this should be a team award."
The Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship is one of 12 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes funded by private donors. Six of them are already fully-funded, including the Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship. For information about supporting Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholars
Illinois State University Basketball
2005 - Holly Hallstrom
2004 - Jaci McCormack
2003 - Taren O'Brien
2002 - Steph Reichle
2001 - Kristi Larson
