Story Links
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women’s basketball head coach Shauna Green has announced the addition of walk-on Mia Zenere to the program. Zenere, a true freshman, will be joining the team for the 2024-25 season.
Zenere, a 5-foot 11-inch guard from Mokena, Illinois, attended Lincoln-Way Central High School as a freshman, where she played basketball and participated in track and field. She completed her high school career at Example Academy in Frankfort, Ill., contributing to three consecutive Independent High School Gold Division national championship wins.
During her senior year in 2023-24, Zenere was a team captain, played in the Grind Session All Star Game, received a McDonald’s All-American nomination, and was named to the conference’s All-Academic Team.
In the 2022-23 season, Zenere and her future Fighting Illini teammate Jasmine Brown-Hagger played together at Example Academy.
Throughout her time at Example Academy, Zenere averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
As a freshman at Lincoln-Way Central, Zenere also excelled in track & field, winning the 2021 conference championship in triple jump and earning All-Conference honors in high jump and 300-meter hurdles as her team secured the SWSC Team Championship title.
“I am thrilled to welcome Mia to our FamILLy! She is eager to join our program and represent her home state, which is a top priority for us. Mia is a dedicated worker with high character who will motivate us to improve every day. We look forward to having her on the court with us.”
MIA ZENERE ON WHY SHE CHOSE ILLINOIS:
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Illini family and play college basketball at the highest level! I can’t wait to start working at my new home and playing for a fantastic team. Being here is a dream come true, and I’m eager to make my home state proud!”
