Mike Snyder Steps Down as Director of Athletics of Illinois College

JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- Director of Athletics Mike Snyder has been named as the director of athletics and recreation at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. His final day at Illinois College will be May 31, 2021.
 
"I am enormously grateful for Mike Snyder's deep commitment to the success of IC's student-athletes, coaches and athletics programs," President Barbara Farley said. "His professional expertise in athletics administration and facilities management has served the College extremely well."
 
During Snyder's seven-year tenure as the leader of athletics at Illinois College, the department has seen an expansion of varsity sports to include esports and competitive cheer and dance, increased competitiveness in the Midwest Conference and the addition of a diverse pool of talented head and assistant coaches.
 
A large number of  improvements have been made to Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, including the renovation of the Joe Brooks Baseball and Jessica Kemp Softball Fields, the addition of lights to England Stadium and the Bellatti Tennis Complex, the renovation of the Charlie Bellatti Fitness Center, the addition of the Zelcs Fitness Center, and the creation of a track & field throws area. Several other playing surfaces have been upgraded, including the Bill Merris Court in Sherman Gymnasium, the turf in England Stadium, and the resurfacing of the track in King Fieldhouse.

President Farley also credited Snyder with being a strong mentor to students and coaches, as well as a champion of Title IX and gender equality to "create a level playing field" in IC athletics.

"Mike has been an important member of the College's senior team and will be missed," she added. "I wish him and his family all the best as they begin a new chapter of their lives in the Pacific Northwest." 

Snyder expressed his gratitude toward Farley and the entire Illinois College community for the opportunity to lead the program. He said he was most proud of the strides the college has made in recent years to improve the experience for student-athletes. He also acknowledged that his success would not have been possible without the support of Farley and many others.
 
"Illinois College will always have a special place in my heart," he said. "There are so many great people on the staff and within the alumni community who have made my tenure truly enjoyable.  The Blueboys and Lady Blues will continue to succeed as athletes and scholars because of the many talented coaches who work tirelessly on their behalf."

Plans to move forward with interim leadership of IC Athletics will be announced later this month. To learn more about athletic programs at Illinois College, visit illinoiscollegeathletics.com.