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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women’s basketball standout and two-time University of Illinois graduate Kendall Bostic has joined the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) as Assistant Director of Development, Varsity I. In this role, Bostic will lead DIA’s Varsity I initiatives, encouraging engagement and participation by former student-athletes in reunions, member events and alumni-centric programming.
Founded in 1939, the Varsity I Association brings together all University of Illinois letterwinners and former student-athletes, coaches, and support staff with the goal of developing lifelong relationships between Varsity I members and those currently participating in Fighting Illini Athletics.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kendall in this important role and are pleased that she will continue representing the Fighting Illini,” Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. “Throughout her playing career, Kendall has distinguished herself on and off the court, and her passion for the University of Illinois and our local community has been on full display. She will be an incredible ambassador for the Orange and Blue, and she will help strengthen our famILLy by building meaningful connections with Fighting Illini student-athletes past, present and future.”
Bostic was a four-year letterwinner with the Fighting Illini from 2021-25, helping lead the program’s resurgence that included two NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2024 WBIT Championship. Bostic led the Big Ten in rebounds per game each of her four seasons at Illinois, ending her career as the program’s all-time leading rebounder and double-doubles record holder as well. The Kokomo, Indiana, native started all 125 possible games during her Illinois career after transferring in ahead of her sophomore campaign.
“I am extremely excited to get to work with and serve all the student-athletes and alumni who have represented the Fighting Illini,” Bostic said. “As a former student-athlete myself, I understand how important it is to have people in your corner, especially those who have been in our shoes. I can’t wait to connect and grow relationships with former letterwinners from all different sports and eras in my new position!”
Bostic was widely recognized for her leadership, work ethic, and community involvement during her career. The 2024 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient was a First Team All-Big Ten selection in her final year at Illinois and was tabbed all-conference all four seasons with the Illini. Bostic also earned a spot on the WBIT All-Tournament Team, was a four-time Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner, four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, and Illinois’ Female Spirit Award winner in 2023.
Bostic earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois in speech and hearing sciences in May 2023 and a master’s degree in special education in May 2025.
