The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has extended the contract of women’s basketball head coach Ashleen Bracey through the 2027-28 season, Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz announced Friday. The one-year extension was approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its meeting this week.
“Coach Bracey’s immediate impact on the culture and competitiveness of UIC women’s basketball is undeniable,” said Lipitz. “Ashleen and her staff have elevated the experience of their student-athletes and the expectations surrounding their program. We are excited for the future under her leadership.”
Last year, the Flames enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in Bracey’s first season at the helm, posting 19 wins and earning a berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI), the third postseason appearance in program history. It marked the greatest win improvement in Missouri Valley Conference history and the second-largest turnaround in the nation last year. UIC finished sixth in its inaugural season in the 12-team MVC, the program’s best conference finish in eight years.
“I’m proud of the foundation we’ve been able to create here at UIC,” Bracey said. “We receive tremendous support from our administration, and I’m especially grateful to Michael (Lipitz) for his confidence in our program and the vision we have for Flames basketball.”
The Flames will make their 2023-24 debut on Oct. 30, playing host to Wisconsin-Parkside in an exhibition matchup at Credit Union 1 Arena. UIC will tip off its regular season schedule Nov. 6 at Loyola and will play its home opener Nov. 17 against Southeast Missouri State.
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