East Peoria, Ill. - The Illinois Central College women's basketball program is looking toward the 2026–27 season with much optimism as they open their season on Friday, October 30 against Glendale CC in Glendale, AZ. Despite losing four starters from last year's 32–5 squad that got 4^th at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, the Cougars still have the same high expectations that have defined the storied program for 57 years.
 
"These kids are gritty and that's a great quality to have," head coach Karrie Redeker said. "They've gotten to where they are in life because they've paid attention to detail, taken on challenges, worked hard, used failure as a learning tool, and overcome adversity. We'll look for them to continue to exhibit those characteristics and are excited to see what they can do together."
 
Last year's team rattled off an 18-game winning streak from mid-January to early March to capture the Region 24 Tournament Championship in Ramsey Gym. Along with winning the regular season Mid-West Athletic Conference Title, the Cougars won their own Holiday Tournament and the prestigious Thumbcoast Tip-Off Tourney at the start of the season.

This year's group is ready to make their own mark. 

TRIO TO LEAD CHARGE
ICC, ranked #15 in the NJCAA DII pre-season poll, will look to three sophomores, Ellie VanMeenen, Hannah West, and transfer De'Ajah Buchanan to provide leadership, experience, and production in a variety of areas. VanMeenen (Morton HS) is a versatile 5'9" lefty guard/forward who started 36 games last season, filling the stat sheet with 7.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 2.6 apg. West (Limestone HS), a 5'8" sharpshooter, provides ICC with a proven perimeter threat as she averaged 8.5 points per game and led the team with 63 three-pointers made. Buchanan (Moline HS), a 5'6 point guard, averaged 13.1 ppg last season at Southeastern Iowa and will look to push the pace and spark the defensive effort.

NEWCOMERS READY TO SHINE
While the sophomore leadership is vital, the development of the eight newcomers will be equally important. 

• Michaela Pilgrim is a 5'8 guard who scored over 1,000-points in her career at Limestone High School. She brings a well-rounded skill set to the Cougars after being a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection in the loaded Mid-Illini. 
• 5'6 guard Lexi Meyer is another decorated prep standout who scored over 1,000-points in her career at MacArthur High School, helping lead the Generals to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance her senior year. Her outstanding play earned her Herald & Review Macon County Player of the Year and IBCA All-State honors, cementing her status as one of the area's top high school players.
• A 1^st Team ICAC and Prairieland All-Conference selection at Elmwood High School, Andrea Glenn is a 5'9 forward who brings a physical presence, relentless effort, and a determined mentality to the Cougars. 
• 5'9 forward Lauryn Hamrick was an IBCA 2^nd Team All-State and 1^st Team Vermilion Valley All-Conference selection who brings a winning mentality to the Cougars after an outstanding multi-sport career at Cissna Park High School. Hamrick scored 1,000 points in her career as she helped lead her Timberwolves' basketball team to a 3^rd place state finish as a junior. 
• Malorie Harris is a 5'6 point guard who was a standout three-sport athlete at Springfield High School, helping lead her basketball team to three City Championships. An exceptional all-around athlete, she brings speed, athleticism, and a boundless work ethic to the Cougars' backcourt. 
• Three-time TRAC-East All-Conference selection Camryn Driscoll helped lead her Princeton High School team to three conference championships. A scrappy, determined competitor, Driscoll has a knack for finding ways to make an impact on the court and doing the little things that often go unnoticed. 
• 5'9 center Shonti Ayers was a key contributor to MacArthur's sectional championship team. The Cougars will look to her for rebounding, toughness, and to be a presence in the paint. She has a natural nose for the ball, battling for position and creating second-chance opportunities on the glass. 
• A dual-sport athlete from Mattoon High School, 5'11 Ava Larson will join the Cougars' hoop squad full-time when her season with the ICC volleyball team is complete. Her athleticism, work ethic, and willingness to learn should help her make a quick transition to the hardwood.

QUALITY SCHEDULE
As usual, the Cougars' schedule is a tough one. Headliner match-ups in the early going are road games against perennial powers #10 Mesa (AZ) and #2 Kirkwood (IA), along with a trip to Port Huron, Michigan, for the Thumbcoast Classic, where several nationally ranked opponents will await.  For the first time in awhile, ICC has two Region 24 games (Kaskaskia, #9 Lincoln Land) before Christmas and then hosts their competitive Cougar Holiday Tourney on December 28-30.

In January, the Region 24 games again resume (Parkland is ranked #12 and Lake Land #18) and when March rolls around, the post-season journey will begin.
 
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE 
Entering their 14th season together on the Cougars' bench, Redeker and associate head coach Stan Prosser, both Hall of Fame coaches, continue to uphold the standard for excellence in Cougar women's basketball. With 343 total victories and 7 National Tourney appearances in the last 11 years at ICC, the accomplished coaching duo brings a wealth of experience, basketball knowledge, and a proven ability to develop players and build winning teams.
 
"This is our kind of team," Redeker said. "They're down-to-earth kids who love to play unselfish, hard-nosed basketball. If they'll stay 'tougher together' like their chosen motto, we can accomplish great things."