NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball program returns a familiar face to the bench with the hiring of Katrina Beck. Beck will serve as an assistant coach, replacing Mariyah Brawner-Henley, who leaves ISU to pursue opportunities outside of basketball.
"I am extremely honored to be back at my alma mater and join the Illinois State women's basketball staff," Beck said. "It is a privilege to coach alongside my former coaches, Kristen and Scott Gillespie as well as the entire Redbird staff. There is such a rich history at ISU, and I can't wait to help continue the tradition. Go Redbirds!"
A former Redbird women's basketball player, Beck returns to Illinois State after spending the last season at Lindenwood University where she was responsible for planning and executing player development for combo guards through on court training and film sessions. In addition to scouting opponents, recruiting and practice preparation, Beck also coordinated team travel, managed gear and equipment needs and organized housing and orientation for student-athletes among multiple other day-to-day tasks.
Before landing her first full-time coaching position at Lindenwood, Beck spent two years as a graduate assistant for the Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball program across town. Beck assisted with day-to-day operations for the team, coordinating team schedules, editing film, recruiting and organizing practice plans. While on the Titans' staff, Beck reached the conference postseason tournament twice and made one appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
A four-year letterwinner and starter for the Illinois State women's basketball team, Beck was named a team captain as a senior. She finished her career fifth all-time in career starts and notched 200 assists and 357 rebounds over her four seasons in a Redbird uniform. Beck graduated from ISU with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in 2019 and earned her master's degree in sport management from Illinois State in 2021.
"I am ecstatic to welcome Katrina back to Illinois State," said head coach Kristen Gillespie. "It is always special when you have the opportunity to have a former player on staff. Katrina is gifted young coach who understands our culture. She helped lay the foundation of our program five years ago and I know she will continue to serve as an outstanding role model for our women."
With the addition of Beck and Drew Cole, the women's basketball staff is complete for the 2022-23 season.
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