Dayton women’s basketball coach leaves for job in Big Ten

Dayton Athletic Director Neil Sullivan said a national search for a new coach has begun.

“On behalf of the University of Dayton, I offer our gratitude and sincere thanks to Shauna for a great six-year run,” Sullivan said in a press release. “Most importantly, Shauna represented the University with integrity and class. She graduated student-athletes, won championships and embraced the community. With our thanks for her service and best wishes for her continued success, we commence our search for a new coach who will continue our strong tradition of women’s basketball.”

Green replaces Nancy Fahey, who retired March 4 after five seasons at Illinois. She had a record of 42-99. The Illini finished 7-20 this season and lost 67-53 to Dayton on Nov. 26 at the Daytona Beach Invitational.

Green is the 10th women’s basketball coach in Illinois history. The program last played in the NCAA tournament in 2003 and last won a Big Ten championship in 1997. It has suffered nine straight losing seasons.

This will be Green’s third head coaching job. She spent two seasons at Loras College (2005-07)

“As we expected, our head coaching position attracted tremendous interest from imminently qualified candidates across the country — a testament to the reputation of the University of Illinois, the upward trajectory of Fighting Illini Athletics, and the hard work of our basketball student-athletes,” Illinois AD Josh Whitman said in a press release. “Even amongst such a talented candidate pool, Shauna Green quickly emerged as a dynamic, proven leader with a demonstrated record of success at one of the nation’s most visible, accomplished mid-major programs.

“In visiting with Shauna, I was struck by her inner drive, her innate competitiveness, and her commitment to the student-athletes under her charge,” Whitman continued. “She and I connected quickly around an ambitious vision for the future of Illinois women’s basketball, which she and her staff plan to spread around the state and across the country. Our women’s basketball program is in great hands under Coach Green’s leadership, and I look forward to the hard work ahead that will yield our bright future. Please join me in welcoming Coach Green, her husband, Andy, and their son, Matteo, to the Fighting Illini family!”