How a Players-Only Meeting Has Lifted Illini Women’s Basketball Back From Tough February Stretch

Illinois head coach Shauna Green had been pushing and suggested a players-only meeting to change the negative momentum from first-half calamities but knew it had to reach a breaking point.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 19, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When immediately asked after a 32-point blowout victory over Wisconsin, who initiated a players-only meeting before a practice, Shauna Green says she didn’t know.

Deep down in her conscious, Green absolutely knew. The Illinois women’s basketball head coach called for it.

“I told them to meet a couple . . .

 

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