Illinois Hustle Mission Statement
The primary mission of Illinois Hustle is to develop strong, confident women of excellence through the continued advancement of basketball fundamentals with a focus on character and sportsmanship while competing with relentless tenacity at the highest level possible.

Coaching Philosophy
All Hustle coaches believe in:
- Genuine caring for players with consideration for their individual needs
- Creating team togetherness and working coach-athlete relationships
- Setting clear and defined roles for every player on the team
- Displaying and encouraging a deep passion and drive for winning
- Adopting a leadership approach that fits each player’s personality and values
- Fostering a perspective on basketball as just a game, not the sole purpose in life

Background
Illinois Hustle was first started by Hall of Fame girls’ basketball coach Derril Kipp in the 1990’s. Coach Kipp was renowned for his ability to see each player’s potential; his dedication to push those players to develop their gifts by requiring best effort at all times with no excuses; his commitment to providing opportunities for both successes and failures for his players to learn from; his sense of humor that allowed players to laugh at themselves and not take shortcomings too seriously; his loyalty to support his players no matter their opposition, needs, financial disposition or otherwise.

Coach Heather Glaser is resolved to continue this program as Coach Kipp intended. The current Hustle team honors Coach Kipp by adding “DK” to its uniform as a symbol for what he believed in, and how IL Hustle runs today.

Coaches
Heather Glaser – Head Coach (11 years experience)
TR Turner – Assistant Coach / Trainer (15 years experience)
Jim Beckley – Assistant Coach / Trainer (10 years experience)