CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women's basketball head coach Shauna Green announced the addition of Ryan Gensler to her coaching staff on Thursday (March 31), pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
"I am extremely excited to add Ryan to our Illini family," Green said. "Ryan is a tireless worker who will add extreme value to this program as we build it. His experience in our system and player development will make an immediate impact on our team. We are thrilled to have Ryan, Leanna and Jackson a part of our family!"
Gensler reunites with Green as the first member of her Illini staff after playing an integral role on her Dayton staff for the last five seasons.
"I am so thrilled to be a part of the University of Illinois and to continue to work with Shauna Green," Gensler said. "We have worked hard to develop a winning culture and I am so excited to now work with the student-athletes here at U of I to help them develop and grow as players, students, and people. The University of Illinois offers an unmatched student-athlete experience, and I can't wait to be a part of building a foundation for success that will make this program truly special."
Gensler joined Green's staff at UD prior to the 2017-18 season and immediately made an impact on the program, helping to guide the Flyers to three NCAA Tournament berths and two WNITs. During his time at UD, the Flyers won four Atlantic 10 regular-season titles and one tournament championship.
Gensler played a key role in the Flyers' recruiting efforts, including serving as the staff's recruiting coordinator in his final season. During his tenure, UD twice secured the top-rated recruiting class in the A-10 in 2019 and 2020, while also inking the league's No. 2-rated class in 2018. The 2020 class also ranked among the top-25 nationally.
Gensler came to Dayton after spending two seasons on the University of Florida women's basketball staff where he served as the program's video coordinator. In 2017, he was named the Co-National Basketball Video Coordinator of the Year by the Collegiate Sports Video Association (CSVA) Executive Board. He was also on the staff for the 2015-16 season in which the Gators went 22-9 and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Prior to his time in Gainesville, Gensler was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Loyola-Maryland from 2013-15, and an assistant coach at St. Bonaventure from 2011-13 – a stretch that saw the Bonnies capture the 2012 A-10 regular-season championship en route to a Sweet 16 appearance.
Gensler served as the Director of Basketball Operations/Graduate Assistant Coach at Providence College from 2009-11, his first stint working with Green during her tenure as a Friars' assistant from 2008-12.
A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Gensler, earned his bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in business from Saint Joseph's University in 2009. In 2011, he completed his master's degree in education, guidance and counseling from Providence.
Gensler and his wife, Leanna, have a son Jackson, and a dog, Bo.
