CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Women's basketball head coach Shauna Green has inked the first two National Letters of Intent to join her program as Cori Allen and Gretchen Dolan have signed to become Fighting Illini. The pair of guards will join the Orange and Blue beginning with the 2023-24 campaign.

"Overall, I am ecstatic about this class," opened Green. "We addressed critical needs in shooting, versatility and size on the perimeter. The thing I am most excited about with these two is that they are elite workers and people who want to be a part of our vision to leave a legacy here at Illinois. They will both come here and make an immediate impact and we are so excited to have them here with us."

Cori Allen – Nashville, Tennessee – Montverde Academy (FL)

Allen's Highlights:

• 5'10" guard
• All Star Girls Report (ASGR) Ranking – No. 78
• Helped Montverde Academy to a national championship in 2021-22
• Played first two prep seasons at Hillsboro H.S. before transferring to Montverde Academy
• Two-time first team honoree, All-District, All-Region
• Invited to 2021 USA Basketball Women's U16 National Team trials
• AAU Team: Tennessee Flight Nike EYBL
• High School Stat lines:
  • 2021-22: 8 PPG, 2 RPG, 5 APG
  • 2020-21: 16 PPG, 8 RPG, 5 APG
  • 2019-20: 15 PPG, 9 RPG, 3 APG
• College Basketball Ties: Father, Corey Allen, played for Tennessee

Why she chose Illinois: "Because of the atmosphere, the people, the coaching staff and facilities!"

Coach Green's Take: "I am so excited to have Cori joining our Illini family. She brings great versatility and competitive spirit to our program. Cori's size and ability to play multiple positions fits our style perfectly. Cori is a three-level scorer and adds depth to our perimeter. She played AAU and high school at the highest level so that will have her well prepared to make an impact right away. We can't wait to have her in Champaign!"

Gretchen Dolan – Guard – Buffalo, New York – Williamsville South H.S.

Dolan's Highlights:

• 5'11" guard
• Collegiate Girls Basketball Report Ranking – No. 145
• Three-time Section VI Class A champion (2019, '20, '22)
• First Team All-State and All-WNY (2021-22)
• All-Bee and All-ECIC Player of the Year (2021-22)
• Achieved 1,000-point milestone as a junior
• Played varsity basketball since eighth grade
• AAU Team: Philly Rise Nike EYBL
• High School Stat lines:
  • 2021-22: 38.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 5 SPG, 2 BPG
  • 2020-21: 27.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 5.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG
  • 2019-20: 14.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
• College Basketball Ties: Mother (Kristen Dolan) played for Canisius, Brother (Graham) played for Babson College, Brother (Greg) currently plays at Cornell University, Sister (Hannah) currently plays at Canisius

Why she chose Illinois: "I chose Illinois because of the culture, family atmosphere and the academic excellence!"

Coach Green's Take: "I am so excited to have Gretchen joining our Illini family. Gretchen's ability to score at all three levels and her size are critical as we build this program. We had been recruiting her before we got here and knew she was a key piece to our future. She is an elite shooter and worker, which is imperative to have in order to be successful. She too adds depth on our perimeter and someone with the ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions. We can't wait to have her in Champaign!"