Eastern Illinois University Athletics

POSITION: Head Women's Basketball Coach
ALMA MATER: Saint Joseph's, 1988
YEARS AT EIU: 4th year (hired May 16, 2013)
CAREER RECORD ENTERING 2016-17: (25-61 overall, 16-32 OVC)

Referencing a children’s book about herself, - Tiny, Terrific Debbie Black – Debbie Black talked about the story of a young, undersized girl achieving her dream of first playing basketball and then coaching basketball.  The next chapter in that continuing life story began on May 16, 2013 as Black was hired as the sixth head women’s basketball coach in the NCAA Division I history of Eastern Illinois University and eighth since the inception of the program.

In her first season Black coached a young EIU women's team to their seventh straight appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.  The Panthers posted an 11-19 record after losing four senior starters to graduation from the OVC regular season championship squad.  The Panthers were led by junior post player Sabina Oroszova who earned second team All-OVC honors while setting the school record for points in a game with 38 at Bradley.  

During her second season Black had to rebuild the Panthers roster with the addition of eight new players.  Black coached the Panthers to their eighth straight OVC Tournament appearance, an active streak that is tied for the longest in the league.  EIU was 7-9 in the OVC as the Panthers were led by senior Sabina Oroszova who earned first team All-OVC and second team Mid-Major All-American honors.

In her third year at EIU Black led a young Panther women's team through a tough 2015-16 season after losing seven players from her 2014-15 roster, including First Team All-OVC recipient Sabina Oroszova, finishing the year 3-25 overall and 2-14 in the OVC. A leader both on and off the court, Black and the women's basketball team were awarded the 2015-16 OVC Sportsmanship Award honoring the high quality of character and ethical behavior throughout the season.  

A former assistant coach at Ohio State University, Black has worked and played for some of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball.

Prior to coming to EIU Black was part of a successful run for the Buckeyes women’s program under head coach Jim Foster that saw Ohio State win six Big Ten Conference Championships in eight seasons.  The program made seven consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances with her as a member of the staff including advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009 and 2011. 

In addition to helping coach successful teams, Black has been instrumental in the development of player success.  Coaching guards at Ohio State her players won four Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and one Big Ten Player of the Year honor.  Multiple players have gone on to professional careers both in the WNBA and overseas including Ohio State players Samantha Prahalis and Tayler Hill, each of whom was selected in the first round of the WNBA draft.

“I opened my introductory press conference telling you about the book that is used in third grade classes as a source for motivation.  That story ends with me being an assistant coach but my story continues with this head coaching opportunity at Eastern Illinois,” said Black.  “I always knew my story would continue because I know my character and my work ethic.  I never quit, never stop.  I believe you have to work hard and give it your all everyday.  That is they way I played and that is the way I coach.”

Black’s ties to Jim Foster go back to her playing days at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  As a player she helped lead the Hawks to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances.  Black is a 1988 graduate of Saint Joseph's and a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

Black’s first coaching position was as an assistant for Foster at Vanderbilt during the 1999-2000 season when the team made the NCAA Tournament advancing to the second round.

As a player Black played more than ten seasons at the professional level.  She began her career in the WNBL playing in Tasmania.  She was the 15th overall selection in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Utah Starzz.  She was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year while a member of the Miami Sol and ended her professional career in 2005 as a member of the Connecticut Sun.

All told she has been part of 34 consecutive winning seasons of basketball both as a player and a coach.   Nicknamed “The Pest” during her playing days, Black is the only women’s professional player to ever record a quadruple double with 10 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 steals.

In November of 2014 Black will add another Hall of Fame accomplishment to her list of accolades as she will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. 

What They Are Saying About Coach Black...

“I don’t know of anybody better prepared for the opportunity to be a head coach. She has played and coached at every level and had nothing but success. I’m sure that Eastern Illinois is about to find that out.”
... Jim Foster - Head Coach, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

“Debbie Black is an extraordinary leader, a better recruiter, a better coach and an even better person.  Her energy will inspire, her competitiveness will motivate and her sincere and genuine care for her students will create a model program for all of us to emulate.  I congratulate Eastern Illinois University for an exceptional hire and look forward to much success in their future.”
... Brad Bates - Athletic Director, Boston College