Thursday night, the UIC Flames will face the Louisiana State University Tigers for the second time in program history.
This season marks UIC coach Ashleen Bracey’s third year with the Flames. She aims to lead UIC into its third consecutive winning season, a benchmark that the Flames haven’t achieved in over a decade.
“What it comes down to is creating a brand that people want to be a part of,” she told Mid-Major Basketball. “It’s very telling, and it’s awesome that this group is a part of breaking records.”
After last year’s 18-win season, Bracey earned NCAA Division I Co-Coach of the Year by the Illinois Basketball Association.
Coaching previously at the assistant level for Mizzou, Bracey is no stranger to the Tigers’ program and head coach Kim Mulkey.
“She’s an incredible coach. She gets her players to play hard, and they’ll rebound the heck out of the basketball. That’s the Kim Mulkey approach and she’s been extremely successful because of it,” Bracey said.
Graduate student and standout forward Jaida McCloud remarked on Bracey’s experience, saying that she did not doubt that the Flames head coach’s preparation for such a big game would be “top tier.”
A native of Peoria, Illinois, McCloud has been with UIC for five years. Experiencing firsthand the success found in Bracey’s leadership, McCloud’s career has been extraordinary. McCloud made the All-Missouri Valley Conference second team last season and sits in the top 10 for rebounds and points on the Flames’ program leaderboards.
On Wednesday, Keimari Rimmer emphasized that UIC is focused on reaching its full potential when facing a talented opponent. Rimmer, whom Bracey anticipates will have a standout performance against the Tigers, reflected on the growth she’s experienced during her six years in collegiate basketball.
“I remember a couple years ago at the NCAA Tournament when women’s teams didn’t even have equipment to work out with,” Rimmer said to Mid-Major Basketball. “Media has changed the whole perspective of the game for us.”
The Flames and Tigers tip off at 8 p.m. ET Thursday in Chicago, with the game broadcasted on ESPN+.
“This is everything. Sports have made me who I am,” Bracey said. “This game will show people who we are.”
