Deanna Price joined the Illini track and field coaching staff on a volunteer role in 2022 and has been promoted to an assistant coach for her second season in 2023 due to new NCAA rules. 

At the 2023 USATF Indoor Championships she smashed the world record weight throw and became the first woman ever over 26 meters, 26.02m (85-4 1/2). She holds the American record and number two women's hammer throw mark of all-time, 80.31m (263-5 3/4). She's only the second woman ever over 80 meters. She is a two-time Olympian (2016 & 2021) and has experienced success on the world stage: Gold Medal - 2019 World Championship, Gold Medal - 2018 NACAC, Gold Medal - 2018 Continental Cup, Silver Medal - 2015 NACAC and Silver Medal - 2016 NACAC U23.

Price competed as a decorated student-athlete at Southern Illinois University. She is a two-time NCAA Champion in the hammer throw, a two-time MVC Champion in the hammer throw and a two-time MVC Champion in the weight throw. In 2016 she was named the MVC Most Outstanding Field Athlete and a Bowerman Award Semifinalists. She also owns the furthest all-conditions throw in collegiate history with a throw of 73.09m (239' 9").