Kristi Cirone
Kristi Cirone
Illinois State will retire Kristi Cirone’s jersey, it was announced at a celebration to honor the Redbird women’s basketball team. Cirone is one of the youngest athletes to be so honored in Redbird history.
Cirone’s jersey will join those of Cathy Boswell and Charlotte Lewis, along with a banner honoring former coach Jill Hutchison, in the Redbird Arena rafters. A date has not been set for the ceremony, but it will occur during the 2009-10 season.
The 5-foot-8 Cirone was a three-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and two-time honorable mention selection on The Associated Press All-American team. She finished as the Redbirds’ all-time leader in scoring (2,139 points), 3-pointers made (229), free throws made (512), assists (671) and games started (129).
Cirone led Illinois State to a 27-8 record, the Valley regular-season championship and the semifinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament this season.
Cirone was invited to training camp with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. She will report on May 16.
Cirone and fellow seniors Brea Banks and Ashley Sandstead led the Redbirds to an 87-42 record, two Valley regular-season titles, the 2008 Valley Tournament title and NCAA Tournament and two WNIT bids during their four careers.
