Rachel Galligan left her mark on Eastern Illinois University in a big way.
After last year's season she had compiled an impressive list of accolades by becoming EIU's All-Time leader in scoring, blocked shots, free throws made, and free throws attempted. She also ranks 4th on Eastern's All-Time rebounding list. Galligan was the Female Athlete of the Year for both the Eastern Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Daily Eastern News.
She was also recognized nationally as a Lowe's Senior CLASS Award finalist. The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award celebrates the loyalty of seniors that honor a four-year commitment to their university and achievement in competition and community involvement. She was also a Women's Basketball Coaches Association Region 4 All-American Finalist.
After graduating in May with a Communications degree in Public Relations, Galligan was faced with a unique decision: stay and pursue a Masters degree or play overseas in Spain? She decided that she would try and pursue her professional basketball career in Spain with the C.B. Conquero.
After a short stint with the team, the decision was made to return to the states and try other avenues. Although she is not ruling out not going back to Europe to play professionally, the situation would have to be the right one.
Upon her return, Rachel decided to pursue another passion of hers: coaching. She is currently an assistant coach for her alma mater, Central Catholic High School, in Bloomington, Ill. The team is currently 25-1 and ranked #1 in state.
Galligan sees this as a stepping-stone into a future career. Down the road, she hopes to pursue her masters while attempting to become a collegiate coach.
When she is not encouraging the Central Catholic players, she assists in running a fashion boutique in Bloomington with her mom called Shoe Shoe Baby. Add that to her color commentating Eastern basketball games with WEIU TV and radio and she's nothing short of busy.
After watching most of the women's games Rachel is excited to see what the team can do in conference play. She liked the fact that they played a tough nonconference schedule and feels that it has prepared them for a deep run into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.
