DECATUR, Ill. – A celebration of all things Big Blue Women’s Basketball was celebrated at Millikin University on Saturday, Jan. 25, during Women’s Basketball Alumni Day. The University commemorated the contributions of former Big Blue Women’s Basketball players to the campus community and Millikin’s athletic legacy.
The day kicked off with the Big Blue picking up a CCIW victory, defeating North Park University 72-61.
Millikin led 15-12 at the end of the first quarter and 36-25 at halftime. In the second half, Millikin led by as many as 20 points late in the third quarter. The Big Blue were led by 14 points each from Matayia Tellis and Emily White. Emily Brenneisen had 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
At halftime, the 20th Anniversary of Millikin’s 2004-05 NCAA DIII National Championship team and the 40th Anniversary of the 1984-85 third-place team were recognized. Members of both squads and former coaches took to Lori Kerans Court and were cheered by the crowd.
After the win, current players and alumni met again in the University Commons for a reception as players from the ’84-’85 and ’04-’05 teams shared their memories of their historic trips to the NCAA Tournament. Millikin head Women’s Basketball coach Kirsten Hammer kicked off the event and shared thoughts on the teams’ legacy that she has learned since taking over in June.
“I am very thankful that everyone was able to make it out today, not only for Alumni Day but to celebrate two amazing teams that have been part of the Millikin Women's Basketball history. Without all of you, this program is not what it is,” Hammer said. “From 1970 to 2025, there's been a lot to celebrate. Since I've taken this job, meeting everyone who has been a part of this program has been inspirational and humbling. I’m extremely excited to have our current players be able to meet all of you because you once wore the jersey that they wore. It is important that they understand that they respect the name on that jersey because you all set the standard, and we are working every day to achieve that standard.”
When Hammer took over in July, she became just the fourth Big Blue Women’s Basketball head coach since the program’s start in the 1970-71 season. Harriet Crannell led the program until 1985-1986, and Kerans then led the program through the 2017-18 season. Olivia Lett led the program for six seasons and left following the 2023-24 season to lead NCAA DII University of Illinois Springfield. Entering the 2024-25 season, the program has an 841-427 (.663) all-time record, including 14 CCIW Titles, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, and a national championship in 2004-05.
Terri Jones Kawczynski ’85, a member of the third-place team and the Big Blue Athletic Hall of Fame, shared her thoughts on their trip to the NCAA Tournament.
“Coach Crannell was our coach, and if it were not for her, none of us would be here. She was a pioneer for the programs for all women's sports, but particularly for women's basketball, and for that, we are eternally grateful,” she said. “we were No. 1 in DIII with 49.5% shooting, No. 5 with 80.9 points per game, and our scoring margin was No. 7 with 21.5 points. I am so happy and so proud to be with these ladies. They all were unique, and it was a time that I'm sure we will never forget. Even after all this time, and as old as I am, we've never forgotten the bonds that we made.”
Kristin Trotter ’05, a senior on the ’04-’05 team, spoke about her experience on Millikin’s first-ever NCAA title-winning team.
“I hope that when we hit our 40th anniversary year, we look as good as the 1985 team. The national championship run is still a bit of a blur, and sometimes still feels surreal,” she said. “Our team was built on tough defense, and we played tough defense. We bled blue all the time. We also had a great fan base, I'll always say that. We had the best fans in the world that year, and we thank you all for that.”
Millikin University 2025 Athletics Giving Day
On February 12, 2025, Millikin invites you to support Big Blue Athletics during Athletics Giving Day. Your support provides the crucial assistance needed to give our students a competitive advantage and drive Big Blue Athletics to the next level! Your gift will help Millikin continue to produce CCIW record-holders, NCAA Champions, and Academic All-Americans as they write new chapters in the storied history of Big Blue Athletics.
