CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women's basketball head coach Shauna Green announced Wednesday (May 11) the addition of former Dayton star Jenna Giacone as the Fighting Illini's Director of Scouting & Player Development, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
"I am thrilled to announce that Jenna will be joining our Illini family," Green said. "After coaching Jenna for six years I know there is no one better for this position. She fully understands what it takes to be successful in our culture, and will be an unbelievable resource for our players. Jenna is a winner, a relentless worker, and will make an immediate impact on our program."
Giacone, a standout performer and All-Atlantic 10 selection during her time at Dayton is fresh off a preseason stint in training camp with the WNBA's Seattle Storm. She spent her entire collegiate career under the tutelage of Green's staff at UD where she helped lead the Flyers to five regular-season conference championships, two A-10 tournament titles and six consecutive postseason appearances, including four NCAA berths.
"I am very excited and grateful to be joining Coach Green, her staff and the Illinois women's basketball program," Giacone said. "Playing under Coach Green the past six years has helped me grow, not only as a player but as an individual. I trust her leadership, passion, and competitiveness. I am excited to step into this role and help Illinois women's basketball reach future success!"
Giacone's Dayton career was extended, from 2016-17 through 2021-22, by an injury her sophomore campaign and the extra year of eligibility granted to student-athletes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along the way, she became one of the most decorated players in program history. While playing in 125 games in a Flyers' uniform with 42 starts, Giacone tallied 975 points, 313 rebounds and 171 assists. She earned two first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2021 and 2022, and was named the conferences most improved player for the 2020-21 season.
The Delmar, N.Y., native came to Dayton after a stellar prep career at Bethlehem Central where she averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 3.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per game throughout her high school career, winning a regional championship and earning accolades as an all-state selection and a McDonald's All-American nominee.
Giacone, who published a children's book entitled "Gabby's Got Game" in January 2022, earned her bachelor's degree in sports management from Dayton in 2019, and completed her master's degree in business administration from the school in 2021.
