NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State women's basketball has launched a new organization for fans that is dedicated to supporting the program, as announced by Barb Smith Thursday. The new group has been named the Courtsiders Club and is welcoming all supporters to join and make a difference for the women's basketball program.
"I am thrilled to unveil the new Courtsiders Club this year," Smith said. "This organization is a way for us to reach out and connect with our community and fans in a way that supports the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes. The Courtsiders Club will benefit our program in so many ways. We want to raise awareness and season ticket-holder numbers. We love playing in front of our fans. This will help our student-athlete experience and will assist in our recruiting efforts, and I'm so excited about the possibilities."
The Courtsiders Club Information Packet
The Club Board's main focus is to raise funds for the team, to help make critical locker room improvements and to fund an international trip. The group will also work to increase awareness of the program, season ticket sales and overall attendance. Focusing on these areas will improve the ability to recruit competitively.
"We have an amazing Board of Directors in Linda Bowman (President), Tina Kohn (Vice President), Mary Ann Webb (Treasurer), Kim Ommen (Secretary) and Andy Ommen (Coordinator of Volunteers)," Smith said. "I am looking forward to working with this dynamic and motivated group."
The Club is now inviting basketball fans and Redbird supporters to join the club. Each membership is good for two adults (ages 18 and up). Members need not be season ticket holders to join the club.
"Winning on the court can't happen unless we first win on the recruitment trail, and to do that requires locker room upgrades, international travel opportunities for student-athletes and modern technology," said Courtsiders Club President Linda Bowman. "Our most immediate goal is to reach out to our fans, and give them an opportunity to support the team they have followed for years by becoming Courtsiders Club members."
Membership benefits vary by level, but include a club t-shirt, polo shirt, sweatshirts, admission to exclusive Chalk Talks prior to home games, autographed team photo, private autograph session and a post-game reception. Members may also gain admission to end of the year team celebration and or be an honorary coach for a game.
To join or learn more about the club, contact China Antoine, Operations Associate for women's basketball by calling (309) 438-2567 or emailing cnantoi@ilstu.edu.
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