NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State women's basketball and head coach Kristen Gillespie added four players on National Signing Day Wednesday as Madison Austin (Sterling, Ill.), Jordan Fenske (Waukesha, Wis.), Kaya Hurt (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Jaeden Pratt (Ankeny, Iowa) all signed with Illinois State.  

"We are absolutely thrilled with our 2025 recruiting class," Gillespie said. "This versatile group will provide depth on the perimeter and in the post. They are outstanding student-athletes who will elevate our program on and off the court." 

Austin is a 6-3 forward from Sterling High School and averaged 12 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for the Warriors during her junior campaign last season. She earned 2nd Team All-Conference and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Special Mention honors following the 2023-24 campaign.  

Also an accomplished swimmer at the prep level, Austin was an Illinois State meet qualifier the last three seasons. She is a four-time Sectional champion, six-time Western Big 6 Conference Champion and a four-time 1st Team All-Conference Western Big 6 Conference honoree. She is the Sterling High School Record Holder 100 Freestyle and the 200 Freestyle.  

"Madison is a back-to-the-basket post that has the skill set to step out on the perimeter," Gillespie said. "The unique thing about Madison is she just started playing basketball 3 years ago.  Her potential is unmatched." 

Fenske is a 5-11 guard out of Waukesha West High School, where she was a First team all-Conference selection and helped the Wolverines to a pair of regional championships. She averaged 18.9 points per game with 73 three-pointers, leading her team to a regional final appearance during her junior campaign.  

Heading into her senior year Fenske has compiled 782 points in her career, helping Waukesha West to a 57-22 record. She is the program record-holder for rebounding and assists.  

"Jordan is a versatile, skilled guard who can play multiple positions," Gillespie said. "She has an incredible feel for the game and her basketball IQ is outstanding." 

Hurt is a 5-8 guard set to join the Redbirds out of Indianapolis powerhouse Lawrence North, where she averaged 11.3 points, 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game during her junior campaign. Hurt helped lead the Wildcats to an 18-6 record last season, following an appearance in the IHSAA Semi-state as a sophomore in 2022-23.  

Hurt earned All-Conference honors and was an All-USA Central Indiana Super Team selection a season ago. She was an IndyStar Preseason Super Team selection ahead of her senior campaign. 

"Kya is a scoring combo guard with tremendous court vision," Gillespie said. "Her ability to create shots for herself and others will be invaluable for our program." 

Pratt, a 5-9 guard, signed to Illinois State out of Ankeny Centennial High School, where she is a highly accomplished three-sport athlete. On the hardwood Pratt was a Second team All-State and Second team All-conference selection last year for the Jaguars. She has already set the program's career rebound record, with 462 rebounds heading into her senior campaign. She has also amassed 663 points over three seasons, helping her team earn three consecutive State appearances.  

On the volleyball court Pratt tallied 194 career blocks 862 career kills and 92 aces for Ankeny Centennial. She was a two-time first team All-State and two-time first team All-Conference selection in her career, helping the Jaguars to four State appearances. She recently wrapped up her senior campaign, where the Jaguars were ranked No.2 in Class 5A and appeared in the State Semi-final. Pratt is also a 2023 State champion in long jump and set the school record with a jump of 18.8.  

"Jaeden is a high-level athlete who will bring an incredible amount of toughness to our program," Gillespie said. "She is an intense competitor who can score in a variety of ways and impact the game on both ends." 

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.