Mickayla Perdue, a former guard for the Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team, has been appointed as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois University. Perdue’s transition from player to coach comes after a significant collegiate career that was unfortunately cut short by a wrist injury during her time at Arizona.
Bringing Experience to Eastern Illinois
Perdue will join the coaching staff under head coach Marqus McGlothan, who has been leading the Panthers since the 2024-25 season. McGlothan, initially an interim coach, was made permanent after an impressive 18-12 season. The team, however, faced challenges last season, finishing with a 4-27 record. Perdue’s experience and leadership are expected to contribute positively to the team’s efforts to rebuild and improve.
A Diverse Collegiate Journey
Perdue’s collegiate journey began at the University of Toledo, where she played under coach Tricia Cullop. After limited playtime as a freshman and a redshirt sophomore year, she transferred to Glenville State, a Division II school. Her time there was marked by success, as she helped the team achieve a 33-3 record and reach the DII Final Four, averaging 17.7 points per game.
Her performance at Glenville State paved the way for her return to Division I basketball with Cleveland State. Over two seasons, she was instrumental in the Vikings’ success, earning accolades such as Horizon League Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year. Her scoring prowess was evident as she averaged 17.3 points per game in her first season and 20.0 points per game in her final season with the Vikings.
Returning to the Midwest
Perdue’s new role at Eastern Illinois marks a return to the Midwest, where she spent much of her college career. Her journey from a freshman with limited playtime to a leading scorer at Arizona serves as an inspiring story for young athletes. Perdue’s determination and resilience will undoubtedly be valuable assets as she embarks on her coaching career, aiming to inspire and develop the next generation of players.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
