DECATUR, Illinois—Millikin University Vice President of Athletics Lori Kerans is excited to announce the selection of a coach with a track record of success, proven ability to develop talented players, and a strong relationship builder with the selection of Tom Noonan as the new head coach of the Big Blue men’s basketball program.
“Tom Noonan is an exceptional leader and the right person to guide our men’s basketball program into its next chapter,” states Kerans. “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.”
Tom Noonan, Millikin Head Basketball Coach. Photo: Millikin University
“It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head men’s basketball coach at Millikin University,” states Noonan. “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 returns to the Millikin men’s basketball staff after serving as the athletic director at Decatur St. Teresa High School since July 2025. Noonan was an assistant coach for the Big Blue from 2021-2025, helping the Big Blue qualify for the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament in 2022 for the first time in school history.
“Tom Noonan is an outstanding communicator and a respected leader in the basketball community,” said Millikin President Dr. Dean Pribbenow. “His deep ties to Central Illinois, combined with his passion for mentoring student-athletes and building meaningful relationships, make him an exceptional choice to lead our Men’s Basketball program. We are excited to welcome Tom and his family back to Millikin and look forward to the impact he will have on our students, our campus, and our community.”
“I am incredibly excited about this opportunity,” adds Noonan. “Being entrusted to lead a program in the CCIW and to compete at a high level in college basketball means a lot to me. This is one of the premier conferences in the country, and we embrace the challenge to make Millikin a perennial contender. My vision is to build a program defined by high character, relentless work ethic, and competitive toughness. My family is thrilled to be a part of the Millikin community, and I look forward to strengthening our relationships with student-athletes, campus, alumni, and the local basketball community as we pursue sustained excellence.”
Prior to moving to the collegiate coaching ranks with the Big Blue, Noonan had a stellar run as the head coach of St. Teresa High School from 2010-2021. During his tenure leading the Bulldogs program, he led his teams to six 20-plus-win seasons with a career record of 205-92. Noonan led St. Teresa to an IHSA State Championship Appearance in 2015. Under his direction, the Bulldogs won five conference titles, two regional championships and one sectional crown. Coach Noonan was named the IBCA District 15 Coach of the Year and the Herald and Review County Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2018. Noonan helped develop players who went on to continue their careers at the NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III levels.
