JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- Illinois College athletics announced that
Meghan Roman is stepping down as the head coach of the Lady Blues Softball team and will continue her role as director of athletics for the College.
After serving two years as an assistant coach, Roman began her head coaching career in the 2013 season and became the winningest coach in IC softball history with an overall record of 211-164 during her 11-year head coaching career on the Hilltop. She led the Lady Blues to two NCAA Tournament appearances and their first NCAA Tournament victory in the 2022 season.
Under Roman's leadership, the Lady Blues earned two regular-season Midwest Conference titles and one Midwest Conference Tournament title. She has guided countless student-athletes to All-Conference and All-Region honors and was named the MWC Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2021.
"I have been privileged to work with
Meghan Roman for ten years, with a front-row seat to her exemplary coaching skills and advancement as a highly respected athletics administrator, including service as the College's Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator," said IC President Barbara A. Farley. "Meghan's demonstrated leadership and management skills, commitment to student success, high standards for competitive programs, collaborative spirit, support among her colleagues and wealth of knowledge about collegiate athletics, led to her promotion to director of athletics in 2021. I am grateful for her successful tenure as Head Softball Coach and look forward to her expanding leadership role within athletics and across campus as a member of the College's senior leadership team."
Roman describes her decision to relinquish her coaching responsibilities as bittersweet as she looks forward to embracing her role as the College's director of athletics more fully.
"Having the privilege of coaching the Illinois College softball team for the past 13 years has been nothing short of amazing. The women I have coached and the people I have met have been the absolute highlight of my work. The decision to leave coaching was not an easy one. I am excited to be fully dedicated to my work as director of athletics and enhancing the student-athlete experience for all of Illinois College athletes," stated Roman.
Illinois College athletics creates an environment of excellence where student-athletes develop life skills, academic skills, and athletic skills that enable them to become leaders, earn degrees, and win championships. IC offers 20 NCAA Division III sports along with competitive co-ed clay target, esports, cheer and dance teams. Student-athletes take advantage of IC's exceptional Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center facilities and academic programs, including opportunities to double major, complete internships and study abroad. A vibrant athletics program is one of the many ways Illinois College inspires achievement and empowers students to make a difference in the world.
Illinois College will begin a national search for the next head coach of the Lady Blues softball team.
