1st Year at Illinois Central College
Alma Maters: Butler University, University of Alabama Birmingham
Morton native and former Division I athlete Tenley Dowell joins the ICC women’s basketball coaching staff for her first year, returning to Central Illinois after a successful collegiate career and graduate studies.
In high school, Dowell led the Morton Lady Potters to three IHSA Class 3A State Championships, helping the program to a combined 131–10 record over four years. A standout on and off the court, she was a two-time Associated Press and IBCA First Team All-State selection, the 2019 Peoria Journal Star Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year, and a 2019 Miss Illinois Basketball finalist. She graduated as one of the most decorated players in program history, ranking fourth all-time in scoring with 1,762 career points and tying the school record for most career wins.
She continued her playing career at Butler University, where she averaged 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in the Big East Conference. She appeared in high-profile match-ups throughout her four-year career, including a sold-out showdown against UConn. Dowell then used her fifth year of eligibility at the University of Alabama Birmingham, competing in Conference USA while earning her MBA.
After completing her master’s degree in 2024, she returned home to Morton and began working at Whitaker Wealth Management, where she currently serves as Director of Marketing. Now in her first season on the ICC coaching staff, she brings championship-level playing experience, strong leadership, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of athletes.
Updated 8/18/25
