June 14, 2009
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -
One of the pioneers in the advancement in women's basketball and one of the greatest figures in the history of Illinois State athletics, Jill Hutchison earned a well overdue honor Saturday night when she was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Saturday night in Knoxville, Tenn. Hutchison joined Jennifer Azzi, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Jennifer Gillom, Sonja Hogg, and Ora Washington in the 11th induction class to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
"I am very fortunate to have lived in the time I have," Hutchison said in her induction speech. "The progress from the time when we could only play three players on each side of the court to where we are today has been a great experience. To be recognized for doing something I love is even greater. To share it with my family, friends, former players and coaches is certainly the greatest."
Hutchison compiled a record of 461-323 in 28 seasons as the head women's basketball coach at Illinois State, the most wins of any basketball coach, men or women. She led the Redbirds to double-digit wins in all but one of those seasons, including nine 20-win campaigns. A three-time conference coach of the year, Hutchison guided ISU to 16 national postseason tournaments during her tenure, including three NCAA Tournaments.
"I will always be a Redbird, in spite all of the other opportunities I have had, and we as Redbirds will always be family," Hutchison added. "I was blessed with great players and great assistant coaches. I was fortunate to coach my entire career at Illinois State and I know that doesn't happen a lot anymore. For that, I thank the presidents and athletic directors who supported me."
Hutchison was on the selection committee for three Olympic squads and coached the United States to a gold medal at the 1983 World University Games and a silver medal at the 1978 Pan American Games.
Hutchison's impact on the game of women's basketball goes far beyond wins and losses at Illinois State. She was an integral part of the formation of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and served as the organization's president four times. She conducted research that proved that women could play five-on-five, full court basketball and was on the national rules committee that adopted a smaller basketball for women. With her guidance, along with that of the Illinois State administrators, the first women's national championship tournament was held in Horton Field House.
