Illinois State advances to WNIT Great 8, Bradley women's coach departs

Redbirds rally late to beat Abilene Christian, while Bradley's Popovec-Goss takes Boston College job

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:05am

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In a thrilling WNIT matchup, Illinois State's Doneelah Washington scored 23 points to lead the Redbirds to a comeback 59-55 victory over Abilene Christian, advancing ISU to the tournament's Great 8 round. Meanwhile, Bradley women's basketball coach Kate Popovec-Goss has accepted the head coaching position at Boston College, leaving the Braves program after leading them to a 20-win season and their second-ever postseason berth.

Why it matters

The WNIT is a prestigious postseason tournament for women's college basketball programs, and Illinois State's advancement to the Great 8 round is a significant achievement. Bradley's coaching change also marks the end of an era, as Popovec-Goss had helped turn the Braves' program around in her three seasons at the helm.

The details

In the WNIT matchup, Illinois State trailed Abilene Christian for much of the game, but Doneelah Washington's late-game heroics, including multiple clutch baskets, powered the Redbirds to a 59-55 victory. The win sends ISU to the Great 8 round, where they will host George Washington on Monday. Meanwhile, Bradley women's basketball coach Kate Popovec-Goss has accepted the head coaching job at Boston College, leaving the Braves program after leading them to a 20-win season and their second-ever postseason berth in the WNIT.

  • The WNIT matchup between Illinois State and Abilene Christian took place on Friday night in Normal, Illinois.
  • Illinois State will host George Washington in the WNIT Great 8 on Monday.

The players

Doneelah Washington

The Illinois State Redbirds forward who scored 23 points, including multiple late clutch baskets, to lead her team to a comeback victory over Abilene Christian in the WNIT.

Kate Popovec-Goss

The former head coach of the Bradley Braves women's basketball team, who has accepted the head coaching position at Boston College after leading Bradley to a 20-win season and their second-ever postseason berth.

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What they’re saying

“What a blessing, you know. I think at that point there'll be maybe 16 teams left in all of Women's college basketball. It's such a privilege to still be playing and that's what it's all about. We got 4 seniors so we just want to keep extending. We play one more game, one more film session tomorrow, one more practice, because they're such a fun group to be around.”

— Doneelah Washington, Illinois State Redbirds Forward

What’s next

Illinois State will host George Washington on Monday night for a spot in the WNIT Final Four. Bradley will begin the search for a new head coach after Popovec-Goss' departure for Boston College.

The takeaway

Illinois State's thrilling comeback victory in the WNIT showcases the resilience and talent of their women's basketball program, while Bradley's coaching change marks the end of an era for their team as they look to build on their recent success under a new leader.