Mark Grounds is in his second season as the head flag football coach at Illinois College.

Grounds, who was named the first head coach in program history in 2025, guided the Lady Blues to a 4-4 season in the initial year of competition. Highlighting the season was a 26-12 win over Benedictine in the program’s first game at Halas Hall, the practice home of the Chicago Bears, and a 28-26 win over North Park in the program’s initial home game at England Stadium.

A distinguished alum of IC and a respected leader in the Jacksonville community, Grounds brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to this historic new chapter in IC Athletics.

While starting the IC program, Grounds will continue to perform his current roles within the Jacksonville School District, which include serving as the head coach of the football program at Jacksonville High School. Mark’s unique position will enable him to maintain a strong presence and influence at the high school level, which will help him build the foundation for a competitive and inspiring flag football program at IC.

“We are thrilled to have Mark back to the Hilltop,” said Roman. “His dedication to student-athletes, his deep roots in the Jacksonville community, and his years of experience in building successful football programs make him the perfect leader to launch our women’s flag football team.”

“Illinois College helped shape who I am as a coach and a person,” said Grounds. “I’m honored to coach the women’s flag football program and will continue to develop a culture of excellence, teamwork, and opportunity for the student-athletes who will be the foundation of this exciting beginning.”

The addition of flag football reflects IC’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for female student-athletes and growing emerging sports at the collegiate level.