Press release from the DIA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2012
Sports Information Contact: Kent Brown, Asst. AD/Media Relations
URL: http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/030212aag.htmlLaw Released As Illini Women’s Basketball Coach
CHAMPAIGN, IL – University of Illinois Athletics Director Mike Thomas announced Friday that Jolette Law was released as head women’s basketball coach. Law compiled a record of 69-93 in five seasons as head coach, including 11-19 in the season completed yesterday with a 68-53 loss in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Law’s Big Ten record in her five seasons was 27-59, with a highest conference finish of eighth place in 2009.
“Jolette worked extremely hard the last five years, but I feel the program needs new leadership for us to compete for championships,” Thomas said. “We wish Jolette and her staff nothing but the best as they move on to other challenges and opportunities. We’ll begin a national search immediately to locate the very best coach for the Fighting Illini.”
In her first season, Law guided the Illini to a 20-15 record, including an historic run in the 2008 Big Ten Tournament, winning three games and advancing to the championship game before losing to Purdue on a buzzer-beater. After earning a WNIT bid, Law led the Illini to the third round in the tournament. A young team finished just 10-21 in 2009 before improving to 19-15 and a tie for eighth place in the Big Ten in 2010, advancing to the WNIT Quarterfinals.
In 2011, the Illini fell back to 9-23 overall, finishing last in the Big Ten with a 2-14 mark. In her five seasons as head coach, the Illini never finished higher than a tie for eighth.
Law has two years remaining on her current contract with Illinois.
Statement from Jolette Law:
“I would like to thank Ron Guenther and the Illini Family for the opportunity to represent the people of the state of Illinois as their Head Women’s Basketball Coach. I have found great joy in coaching, teaching and guiding a group of remarkable young women. We have laid a good foundation for great things to happen in the near future. I wish nothing but the best for Mr. Thomas, the program, the University and of course my student-athletes.”
Jolette Law Head Coach Record
Year Overall Big Ten Postseason
2007-08 20-15 (.571) 8-10 (9th) WNIT Third Round
2008-09 10-21 (.323) 5-13 (9th)
2009-10 19-15 (.559) 7-11 (t-8th) WNIT Quarterfinals
2010-11 9-23 (.391) 2-14 (11th)
2011-12 11-19 (.367) 5-11 (t-9th)
Five Years 69-93 (.426) 27-59 (.314)
Here’s some video of the press conference, courtesy of The McColley: