Illinois Central College

Jeni Garber started her athletic career right here in Central Illinois, first as a standout for the nearby Metamora Redbirds. Her accomplishments in Metamora earned her a two-sport spot at Illinois Central College, playing both Basketball and Softball. 

Garber's time with the Cougars was nothing short of memorable. On the basketball court, she was a Second Team All-American and two-time First Team All-Region selection. She was also a starter for Hall of Fame Coach Lorene Ramsey's 1986-87 National Runner-Up team. 

On the softball field, Garber made her mark right away as a freshman, being named NJCAA National Tournament First Team, as well as an All-Region honor, and is widely regarded as being within the top three players in program history. 

After her time with the Cougars was over, Garber went on the play basketball at Virginia Tech, where she was a Newcomer of the Year as a junior for the Hokies. While starting in both seasons, Garber was an all-conference selection, being named team captain, and also was the team's leading scorer during her senior season. 

Garber also had an extensive coaching career, making stops at East Tennessee State, Missouri, Minnesota State-Mankato, Normal West High School, Bradley, and most recently, Quincy University. It's a coaching career that spanned 30 years, from 1991 until 2021. 

From cementing a legacy as a player, to inspiring future generations of women's basketball players as a coach, Jeni Garber is named to the 2025 Illinois Central College Athletics Hall of Fame.