Illinois women’s basketball head coach Nancy Fahey retires after 36 years
Women’s basketball head coach Nancy Fahey watches the team during the game against Northwestern on Feb. 21. Fahey announces her retirements after 36 years coaching and leaving with a record of 779-232.
March 4, 2022
Nancy Fahey announced her retirement Friday that spanned from 1986-2022.
“I want to thank all the coaches and staff members I’ve worked with for the past 40 years, from Johnsburg High School and Washington University to the University of Illinois,” Fahey said in a press release. “A special thanks to all my players who will always have a special place in my heart. I wish Illinois women’s basketball the very best in the future. I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.”
Fahey ends her career with a 779-232 record, which includes 23 conference championships, 29 NCAA tournament appearances and five Division III national titles.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer led a historic Washington University team under her tenure. 31 years at WashU saw the team make the NCAA tournament 29 out of 31 times plus earn four consecutive national titles from 1998-2001.
During her time in Champaign, Fahey led the Illini to a 42-99 record with nine wins against Big Ten teams. Plus on Wednesday against Wisconsin marked her second Big Ten Tournament win in a row.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Fahey has also earned several honors during her coaching career, which includes being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, WashU Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Missouri Coaches Hall of Fame in 2020.
Illinois Athletics has already started the search for her successor. Assistant coach Corry Irvin will serve as the interim head coach during the search.
@AngelleCortes
