Back to the Illinois State Redbirds Newsfeed

Watch now: Kristen Gillespie writes her own history as Illinois State women's basketball coach

NORMAL – Kristen Gillespie was assigned a semester-long 40-page paper as a high school student in Tallahassee, Florida.

“I did mine on Title IX. I delved into the history,” said the Illinois State women’s basketball coach. “I hated every moment, but at least I liked the topic.”

Kristen Gillespie coaching on sideline
Illinois State head coach Kristen Gillespie directs her players against Iowa during the first half of a first-round game in the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Friday, March 18, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Title IX was the 1972 legislation that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex for programs that receive federal funds.