NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs has announced that former college standout and University of Illinois coach and administrator Jackie Szymoniak has been named the head coach for the Illinois State women's golf team.

"It's an honor to be the next women's head golf coach at Illinois State University," said Szymoniak. "I would first like to sincerely thank Dr. Jeri Beggs, Paul Kabbes, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead this program. Redbird Women's Golf is in a strong place, coming off three Missouri Valley Conference Championship victories in the last four years in addition to continued success in the classroom. I firmly believe we have the recipe for continued success and the ability to reach new heights!"

Szymoniak spent 13 seasons working with University of Illinois student-athletes in varying roles, including most recently as the Chief Operating Officer for ICON (Illini for Charitable Opportunities and Networking) Collective, Inc. Prior to that she worked as the Associate Athletic Director for Facilities at the University of Illinois, as well as the Assistant Athletic Director for Golf Operations where she managed Atkins Golf Club, leading $5+ million renovation of the club.

"We are excited to have Jackie lead our women's golf program and continue its recent success," Beggs said. "The breadth of her experience will position her well to have a holistic approach as the mentor for our student-athletes and in the future of our golf program. She comes to us highly recommended by some of the most trusted golf minds in the Midwest and we are confident she will ensure our women's golf program continues to compete for championships and NCAA postseason opportunities. We are thrilled to have Jackie here and look forward to her leadership."

Immediately prior to her time as an administrator, she was an Assistant Coach with the Illinois Women's Golf team from 2011-2013, and Director of Men's Golf Operations from 2013-2022. Immediately following a two-year professional golf career playing in the Duramed Futures Tour, she spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

"This program has been afforded incredible on-campus golf facilities, largely thanks to an extremely generous and supportive donor base," said the new head coach. "Between the Mounier Golf Performance Lab which will open this fall, the 27-acre Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Training Center, D.A. Weibring Golf Club, and additional indoor practice areas, the opportunities are endless for our team members to hone their skills. During this process, I have been thoroughly impressed with Redbird leadership and the support staff for the women's golf program. I can't wait to help our team members succeed academically, athletically, and personally. Go Redbirds!"

She played four seasons of golf for the University of Georgia women's golf program; she helped the Bulldogs to eight team tournament titles in her four seasons with an individual medalist honor at the Mason Rudolph Invitational during the 2004-05 season.

"We are thrilled to have Jackie join the Redbird family," said Paul Kabbes, Deputy Director of Athletics. "During this search, we sought out someone who possessed high character, a competitive fire in all aspects of the student-athlete experience, and a person that would truly care for our student-athletes on and off the course. We know all those boxes will be checked with Jackie Szymoniak. Redbird women's golf is in a great position for success thanks to first-class student-athletes and a coach who can't wait to get started."

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