Millikin University announced on Apr. 7 the appointment of Tom Noonan as the new head coach for the Big Blue men’s basketball program.
The decision is significant for Millikin, as Noonan brings experience and a strong connection to both the university and local community. His previous roles include serving as assistant coach at Millikin from 2021 to 2025 and most recently working as athletic director at Decatur St. Teresa High School since July 2025.
Vice President of Athletics Lori Kerans said, “Tom Noonan is an exceptional leader and the right person to guide our men’s basketball program into its next chapter. His proven success as a head coach, his deep understanding of what it means to represent Millikin University, and his genuine commitment to developing young men make him an outstanding fit for this role. Tom and his wife, Amy, both Millikin alumni, returning to their alma mater reflects a powerful sense of purpose and pride, and we are excited for the impact they will have on our student-athletes, our campus, and the Decatur community.”
Noonan expressed gratitude in accepting his new position: “It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head men’s basketball coach at Millikin University,” he said. “As a proud graduate, this place means a lot to my family and me. First and foremost, I want to thank God for guiding me and providing me with this incredible opportunity. I’m grateful to Dr. Pribbenow and Coach Kerans for their trust and belief in me to lead this program. I’m incredibly thankful to my wife, Amy, and to our two children, Charlie and Ruby, for their constant support. I am thankful to Coach Soderberg for his mentorship and guidance during our time together at Millikin. I look forward to building a program that reflects the pride, passion, and tradition of Big Blue basketball.”
Noonan previously helped lead Millikin’s team into its first-ever College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament appearance in 2022 while serving as assistant coach from 2021-2025.
Millikin President Dr. Dean Pribbenow said about Noonan: “Tom Noonan is an outstanding communicator and a respected leader in the basketball community… We are excited to welcome Tom and his family back…and look forward to the impact he will have on our students…and our community.”
Before joining collegiate coaching ranks with Millikin’s staff in 2021-25, Noonan was head coach at St. Teresa High School from 2010-2021 where he led teams through six seasons with more than twenty wins each year; achieved five conference titles; won two regional championships; one sectional crown; guided St Teresa Bulldogs into IHSA State Championship Appearance (2015); earned IBCA District 15 Coach of Year honors twice (2015/2018) along with Herald & Review County Coach recognition those same years; also mentored players who advanced into NCAA Division I/II/III levels.
Looking ahead at leading Big Blue within one of nation’s premier conferences—the CCIW—Noonan added: “Being entrusted …to compete at high level college basketball means lot…My vision is build program defined by high character…relentless work ethic…competitive toughness….look forward strengthening relationships …as we pursue sustained excellence.”
