Illinois Women’s Basketball Faces Key Injuries
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) – Illinois Athletics has confirmed that fifth-year guard Makira Cook and sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to ongoing health issues.
Health Challenges for Key Players
Head Coach Shauna Green revealed that Cook is dealing with a health condition, while Dolan is recovering from a knee injury that will require additional time to heal.
Impact on the Team’s Performance
The absence of these two players is anticipated to impact the Illini’s strong season significantly. With a current record of 11-4, the team is facing challenges after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this year as they enter an intense phase of Big Ten competition.
Dolan’s Impressive Season Cut Short
In her eight games this season, Dolan averaged 10.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.9 steals while playing an average of 24.3 minutes. She was recognized for her outstanding performance last season, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team after the 2023-24 season.
Cook’s Remarkable Legacy
Cook’s condition marks the end of a remarkable career at Illinois. Throughout her time with the team, she amassed 1,723 points, with 66% of that total coming while representing the Fighting Illini. In 2023, she received honorable mention as an AP All-American, was named Most Outstanding Player during the Illini’s WBIT title run, and achieved multiple accolades, including recognition on the All-Big Ten second team.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Throughout her career, Cook has solidified her place in Illinois women’s basketball history. She holds the all-time free throw percentage record at 85.3%. Additionally, she is tied for 12th place on both the career list for made 3-point field goals and the career 3-point field goal percentage.
Season Performance Before Injury
This season, Cook had been averaging 11.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 rebounds over eight games. Her last appearance on the court was on December 8, 2024, during a challenging match against then #12 Ohio State.
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