TABLE OF CONTENTS Quick Facts...... 2

2015 Roster...... 3

Coaching Staff...... 4-6

Meet The Gymnasts...... 7-21

Season Preview...... 22

Individual and Team Awards...... 23

Records...... 24-27

Athletics Administration...... 28-29

Redbird Arena & Horton Field House...... 30

The Owen Strength and Conditioning Center...... 31

Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center...... 32-33

Illinois State University...... 34-36

2015 Schedule...... 37

CREDITS The 2015 Illinois State University Gymnastics Media Guide was written, designed and edited by Danielle Gombac, student intern in Athletics Media Relations. Editorial assistance provided by

Lauren Hutchcraft, Mike Williams and John Twork.

1 ISU ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT TEAM ROSTER The Illinois State Univeristy Athletics Department is committed to academic and athletic excellence as it prepares today’s student-athletes to become tomorrow’s leaders. Name Ht. Event Year Hometown/High School

Bossle, Kristyn 5-7 All-Around So. West Chicago, Ill. / Community HS Cha, Danci 4-10 All-Around Jr. Milwaukee, Wis. / Wauwatosa East HS QUICK FACTS Fisher, Sarah 5-2 All-Around Jr. Davie, Fla. / Pembroke Pines Charter HS Location...... Normal, Ill. Jonas, Laura 5-4 All-Around Fr. Abington, Pa. / Abington Senior HS Kennedy, Sydney 5-7 All-Around So. Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley West HS Founded...... 1857 King, Sami 5-3 All-Around Sr. Canton, Mich. / Salem HS Enrollment...... 20,762 Knoernschild, Megan 5-4 All-Around Fr. Manchester, Mo. / Lutheran South HS Lieberman, Kristen 5-2 All-Around Sr. Lake Forest, Ill. / Laurel Springs Academy Nickname...... Redbirds Locher, Katherine 5-1 All-Around Fr. Newport News, Va. / Tabb HS Colors...... Red and White Meyer, Kylie 5-2 All-Around Fr. Chesterfield, Mo. / Cor Jesu Academy Mohler, Amanda 5-7 All-Around Jr. Tinley Park, Ill. / Lincoln Way North HS Mascot...... Reggie the Redbird Pas, Demi 5-5 All-Around So. Calgary, Alberta / Crescent Heights HS Facility...... Horton Field House Pena, Heather 4-10 All-Around Sr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. / Charles W. Flanagan HS Priest, Marie 5-1 All-Around Fr. Lilburn, Ga. / Parkview HS Capacity...... 5,000 Ward, Samantha 5-4 All-Around So. Edmonton, Alberta / Austin O’Brien HS Conference ...... Midwest Independent President...... Dr. Larry Dietz SOCIAL MEDIA Director of Athletics...... Larry Lyons To stay up-to-date with women’s gymnastics, follow Illinois State University Athletics on Facebook and Twitter. COACHING STAFF Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Illinois-State-Univer- Head Coach...... Bob Conkling stity-Gymnastics Alma Mater...... Indiana Wesleyan, ‘82 Assistant Coach...... Steve Avgerinos Twitter: @ISURedbirds Assistant Coach...... Andrea Orris Gymnastics Office...... (309) 438-5049 Gymnastics Fax...... (309) 438-3597 MEDIA RELATIONS Assistant Coach Andrea Orris Gymnastics Contact...... Danielle Gombac Email Address...... [email protected] Phone...... (630) 415-6899 SID Fax...... (309) 438-5634 Website...... GoRedbirds.com Office Phone...... (309) 438-3825

SID MAILING ADDRESS Athletics Media Relations 202 Horton Field House College at Delaine Normal, IL 61761-7130

2 3 Bob Conkling Steve Avgerinos Head Coach Assistant Coach SIXTEENTH SEASON ∙ LANSING, Ill. ∙ ILLINOIS STATE NINTH SEASON ∙ ROCKFORD, Ill. ∙ INDIANA WESLEYAN

Steve Avgerinos enters his 16th year as an assistant coach with the Illinois State gymnastics team, after taking a short break from 2003-05. A native of Lansing, Illinois Avgerinos has helped lead Redbird With over 30 years of coaching experience, Bob Conkling enters his ninth season as head coach at Illinois gymnastics to three team NCAA appearances. State. A Rockford, Illinois native, Conkling was both an athlete and a coach at the Rockford Gymnastics Academy. He competed in tumbling, diving and trampoline, which became an Olympic sport in A self-taught tumbler, he was an ISU cheerleader for almost four years, as well as being a member 2000. He also competed in the double mini-trampoline. His strengths in tumbling led him to qualify for na- of the Gamma Phi Circus, ISU’s student-run circus. During the 2006 and 2009 gymnastics seasons, tional and international competitions, such as the World Age Group Championship in Rockford, Illinois and Avgerinos was named the Midwest Independent Conference Assistant Coach of the Year. Nationals at Miami (Ohio).

During his time at ISU, and nine seasons as head coach, Conkling has secured more than 72 wins and sent 17 student-athletes to the NCAA Regionals. Under Conkling’s leadership, two student-athletes have been named MIC Senior of the Year and 21 gymnasts earned spots on the All-Midwest Independent Conference First Team.

A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan (formerly known as Marion College), Conkling received his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1982. Conkling taught swimming and gymnastics at Indiana Wesleyan as a student, while receiving credit for his instruction.

After graduating from Indiana Wesleyan, Conkling coached a gymnastics team in Indiana for two years be- fore returning to Rockford for almost 10 years to coach at the Rockford Gymnastics Academy. Conkling then ventured to Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked for Atlanta Legal Copies, a business services company. During his time in Atlanta, Conkling coached a gymnastics team part-time. Approximately 10 years later, Conkling returned to his hometown and the academy to take on the position of program director. He spent three more years there before his arrival at Illinois State in 2005.

4 5 Andrea Orris Sami King, Senior Assistant Coach Personal: Born on June 25, 1993 ... daughter of Gerry and Barb King ... major: exercise science ... favorite pasttime: hanging out with friends, being outside, reading ... favorite movie: The Princess Bride ... favorite FIRST SEASON ∙ PLANO, TEXAS ∙ IILLINOIS STATE gymnast: Nastia Liukin ... favorite quote: “I am not discouraged, be- cause every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” - Thomas Edison.

2014 Season: Earned all-conference honors with her victory on the beam at the Midwest Independent Conference Championships ... competed in Canton, Mich. the balance beam competition at the 2014 NCAA Regional competition ... placed 11th with a score of 9.625 ... competed in six meets on vault Event: All-Around with a season-high score of 9.775 ... competed in nine meets on uneven The Illinois State women’s gymnastics team welcomes former Redbird Andrea Orris to the coaching staff, bars with a season-high score of 9.875 ... posted a season-high score of as an assistant coach. As she begins the 2015 season, one of her roles will be as the team’s beam and floor 9.875 on balance beam in 10 meets ... competed on the floor in seven choreographer. meets with a season-high score of 9.85.

Before becoming a gymnast at ISU, Orris trained at WOGA, is a world-renowned gymnastics club in Plano, Texas. She trained with Olympic All-Around Gold Medalists Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin.

Orris was one of Conkling’s first recruits as head coach at ISU. During her time as a Redbird (2006-10), the gymnast received many honors. Orris was a member of the 9.8 club on bars, balance beam and floor exercise, and also won the Athletic Department Phoenix Award in 2010, and was announced as the MIC Conference Senior Athlete of the Year. Heather Pena, Senior After graduating from ISU in 2010, Orris coached at Rising Stars Gymnastics, a local club in Bloomington, Illinois. In 2013, she accepted an offer in Austin, Texas, but returned this past summer to Personal: Born April 29, 1993 ... daughter of Carlos Pena and Deanna Bloomington to continue coaching at Rising Stars. Returning to her roots as a Redbird, Orris accepted the Holden ... major: exercise science offer as a new assistant coach and will continue to instruct at Rising Stars. 2014 Season: Competed in two meets on balance beam with a season-high score of 9.7 ... competed on the floor in eight meets with a season-high score of 9.65.

Pembroke Pines, Fla. Event: All-Around

6 7 Kristen Lieberman, Senior Sarah Fisher, Junior

Personal: Born July 5, 1992 ... daughter of Al and Mary Lieberman ... major: Personal: Born on May 18, 1994 ... daughter of James and recreation management ... favorite gymnast: Shawn Johnson ... favorite Elizabeth Fisher ... has three siblings: Marshall, Daniel and Michael ... pasttime: going to Hawaii with her family ... favorite quote: “Never let the major: recreation and park administration. fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” 2014 Season: Conference champion on vault with a score of 9.825 ... 2014 Season: Competed in 11 meets on vault scoring a season-high of 9.7 posted a season-high score of 9.7 on uneven bars ... posted a season-high ... competed in 11 meets on floor scoring a season-high of 9.65 ... on bars score of 9.575 on balance beam ... posted a season-high score of 9.8 on season-high score of 9.65. floor ... won all-around ... placed first in Team All MIC Conference ... was by her teammates as the most improved in the 2013- 2014 year. Lake Forest, Ill. Davie, Fla. Event: All-Around Event: All-Around

Danci Cha, Junior Amanda Mohler, Junior

Personal: Born on March 25, 1994 ... daughter of Jer and Der Cha ... has five siblings: Anthony, Johnney, Jerry, Roselina and Alex ... major: Personal: Born March 24, 1994 ... daughter of Jim and Lori Mohler ... has community health education ... minor: public health. one sister: Amelia ... major: business.

2014 Season: Competed in 11 meets on balance beam ... posted a 2014 Season: Competed in 11 meets on uneven bars and seven meets on season- high score of 9.85. balance beam ... posted a career-best score of 9.850 on the balance beam.

Milwaukee, Wis. Tinley Park, Ill. Event: All-Around Event: All-Around

8 9 Kristyn Bossle, Sophomore Demi Pas, Sophomore

Personal: Born December 29, 1994 ... daughter of Joseph and Michelle Personal: Born March 27, 1995 ... daughter of Richard and Lisa Pas ... Bossle ... sister of former Redbird gymnast Jenna Bossle ... major: honors in Grade 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ... grade 11 fashion award ... major: nursing ... member of National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Lifesmarts accounting. National Qualifier, Illinois State Scholar. 2014 Season: Competed on beam at all 12 meets with a season-high score of 9.8 ... posted a season-high score of 9.65 on the floor. 2014 Season: Competed on the vault in three meets and posted a season- high score of 9.775 ... competed on uneven bars in 12 meets and posted a season-high score of 9.825.

West Chicago, Ill. Calgary, Alberta Event: All-Around Event: All-Around

Sydney Kennedy, Sophomore Samantha Ward, Sophomore

Personal: Born on June 29, 1995 ... daughter of Scott and Lisa Kennedy Personal: Born on February 4, 1995 ... daughter of Darryl and Stephanie ... high school honor roll ... major: nursing. Ward ... has one sister: Brittany ... major: exercise science.

2014 Season: Competed in eight meets on vault with a season-high score 2014 Season: Competed on bars at all 12 meets with a season-high score of 9.575 ... posted an average score of 9.64 on floor. of 9.75 ... posted a season-high score of 9.50 on vault ... posted a season- high score of 9.675 on the floor ... listed as an Academic All-American.

Overland Park, Kan. Edmonton, Alberta Event: All-Around Event: All-Around

10 11 Laura Jonas, Freshman Katherine Locher, Freshman

Personal: Born on February 9, 1996 ... daughter of Rich and Joan Jonas ... major: business administration. Personal: Born on October 15, 1995 ... daughter of Robert and Pam Locher ... has two brothers and a sister ... major: early childhood Abington Senior High School: Regional qualifier junior year. education.

Tabb High School: Qualified for nationals in 2013 ... placed fifth at NIT her junior year ... has been a regional qualifier every year.

Abington, Pa. Newport News, Va Event: All-Around Event: All-Around

Megan Knoernschild, Freshman Kylie Meyer, Freshman

Personal: Born on March 25, 1996 ... daughter of Kevin and Kim Knoemschild ... major: biochemistry. Personal: Born on November 13, 1995 ... daughter of Eric and Victoria Meyer ... major: construction management ... ISU Lutheran South High School: Qualified for regionals and nationals senior Presidential Scholarship. year ... state bar champion at regionals junior year. Cor Jesu Academy: State, regional and national qualifier her junior and senior year ... placed fourth in All-Around at NIT Competition.

Manchester, Mo Chesterfield, Mo. Event: All-Around Event: All-Around

12 13 SEASON PREVIEW Marie Priest, Freshman With strong individual performances in the 2014 season, head coach Bob Conkling and the Illinois State Gymnastics team are looking to build off of last year’s success. The Redbirds graduated three strong athletes that contributed to a fifth-place finish along with season highs at the 2014 Midwest Independent Conference Championships. Personal: Born on April 18, 1996 ... daughter of Randy and Debbie Priest ... sister of Dean ... major: exercise science. “As always, it is hard to lose a senior class and especially last year’s all-around conference champion, enior Jenna Bossle. The loss of three graduated seniors and the gaining of five freshmen should help with the depth of the team this Parkview High School: Received floor state and regional champion season,” Conkling said. senior year ... placed 12th in all-around at J.O. National Team Member ... placed second in all-around at state ... state champion junior year. The team will compete in five home meets and six on the road with the Midwest Independent Conference Championship at Texas Women’s on Saturday, March 21.

“We are excited about what we saw in training this past Fall. The consistency and quality of the team’s skills and routines is much stronger than what we have seen in preseason last year,” Conkling said.

Lilburn, Ga. The three seniors Sami King, Kristen Lieberman and Heather Pena - will lead the Redbirds in their final years as student-athletes. After coming three consecutive seasons as an NCAA Regional Qualifier, Conkling believes King is Event: All-Around preparing for an even more successful season.

“All three of our seniors are training hard and pushing for lineup positions,” Conkling said. “Sami King has been our strongest all-around the past few seasons and will look to continue her success this season. Heather Pena strongest event is Floor Exercise but has improved on the other three events this year. Kristen Lieberman competed a few times in the all-around last season and is pushing to make the lineup on all four events again.”

Junior Redbirds Amanda Mohler and Danci Cha are battling back from injuries and training hard to earn competition lineup spots. Conkling expects Mohler to be a major contributor on both uneven bars and balance beam.

“Cha is coming back from an ACL injury and has improved greatly this year. Junior Sarah Fisher is the current conference champion on vault with floor being a close second for her strongest event,” Conkling said.

For sophomore Kristyn Bossle, a hip surgery has slowed her progress early in preseason. “Bossle should come back and be a major contributor - especially on vault and was the most consistent bar worker last season,” Conkling said.

Demi Pas, another Redbird sophomore, was strongest on balance beam and floor exercise, while continuing to improve on bars and vault this preseason. Sam Ward if working toward new skills on beam and vault this preseason. The fourth sophomore is Sydney Kennedy, who has improved on bars and is pushing for floor lineup.

The freshmen student-athletes, Marie Priest, Katherine Locher, Kylie Meyer, Laura Jonas and Megan Knoernschild bring strong attributes to the team. Priest is a contender for a lineup spot in all four events. Locher had ankle surgery before arriving on campus this fall and is just now able to start training.

“Meyer is coming back from ACL surgery and is looking good on bars and beam already. Time will tell if she will be able to train full-out on floor and vault this season,” Conkling said.

“Jonas is one of the strongest on vault this year, as well as beam and floor.”

Knoernschild was the biggest surprise to Conkling during Fall training. “She has improved greatly on all four events and if she continues improving, could be pushing for lineup on all four events.”

The Redbirds will host their first home meet against Centenary on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. 14 15 Individual Records Individual All State Records Conference Champions Conference Honors VAULT VAULT Steve Avgerinos Assistant Coach of the Year 2006 VAULT Meaghan Koshman 3rd 2007 Wendy Lahucik 1994 Amy Biedenharn Senior Gymnast of the Year 2006 Steve Avgerinos Assistant Coach of the Year 2009 Wendy Lahucik 10 1995 Meaghan Koshman 3rd 2009 Wendy Lahucik 1995 Meaghan Koshman 9.900 2008 Elise Gray 3rd 2011 Heather Mohler 2000 Andrea Orris Senior Gymnast of the Year 2010 Elise Gray 3rd 2012 Meaghan Koshman 2007 Erica Schick Gymnast of the Year 2011 Sarah Fisher 2014 Tori Sarantakis Senior Gymnast of the Year 2013 UNEVEN BARS UNEVEN BARS Jessie Balogach 9.900 1995 Kim Genereux 3rd 2012 Kristy Kreinbrink 9.900 2001 Amanda Mohler 3rd 2014 UNEVEN BARS Jenna Bossle 9.900 2014 Annie Chapman 2001 Dana Luther 2001 BALANCE BEAM BALANCE BEAM Heather Mohler 9.950 2001 Tove Fjordholm 3rd 2006 Robin Weissman 2012 Jessica Prousa 3rd 2008 Jenna Bossle 2014 Lisa Klein 9.950 2003 Melissa Mann 2nd 2010 Team Records Denise Houda 9.950 2003 Hannah Deutsch 1st 2010 Hannah Deutsch 9.925 2011 BALANCE BEAM VAULT 49.15 2013 Amanda Mohler 2nd 2013 Beth Larson 1998 Samantha King 1st 2014 Denise Houda 2000 UNEVEN BARS 49.25 2001 FLOOR EXERCISE Denise Houda 2002 Michelle Huston 9.950 2001 FLOOR EXERCISE Lisa Klein 9.950 2001 Samantha King 1st 2014 Lisa Klein 2004 BALANCE BEAM 49.3 2001 Amy Biedenharn 9.925 2004 Erica Schick 2009 Samantha King 9.925 2014 ALL AROUND Melissa Mann 2010 Samantha King 3rd 2013 FLOOR EXERCISE 49.45 2001 Samantha King 2013 Samantha King 2014 TEAM SCORE 196.175 2001 Individual NCAA Qualifiers National Academic Award FLOOR EXERCISE Beth Larson 1997 VAULT The women’s gymnastics team ranked 16th by the National Meaghan Koshman 2006 Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women Michelle Huston 2001 Meaghan Koshman 2007 (NACGC/W) with a GPA of 3.48 with six individuals honored for Amy Biedenharn 2004 Meaghan Koshman 2009 their academic work. Jenna Bossle, Kristyn Bossle, Kimberly Caron Amy Biedenharn 2006 and Samantha King were acknowledged for having 4.0 GPAs, while Sydney Kennedy was recognized for having a 3.9 GPA and Samantha Hannah Deutsch 2009 BALANCE BEAM Ward with a 3.7 GPA. In 2012, the last time ISU received recogni- Apollonia Barrientos 2012 Hannah Deutsch 2010 tion, the Redbirds were ranked No. 22 with a GPA of 3.4 with six Hannah Deutsch 2011 ALL AROUND Samantha King 2014 women honored individually Beth Larson 1999 ALL AROUND Heather Mohler 2000 Cheryl Berezan 2006 Heather Mohler 2001 Whitney Albright 2007 Meaghan Koshman 2007 Erica Schick 2008 Kim Genereux 2012 Meaghan Koshman 2008 Samantha King 2013 Erica Schick 2009 Erica Schick 2010 Jenna Bossle 2014 Erica Schick 2011 Samantha King 2012 Kim Genereux 2012 Samantha King 2013 Kim Genereux 2013

16 17 2004 Records 2007 Records Opponent Score Date Opponent Score Date Ball State 191.775-189.075 1/11/04 Central Michigan 191.075-180.400 1/12/07 Central Michigan w/ Michigan State 193.975-193.025-188.625 1/18/04 Semo w/ Centenary & Illinois-Chicago 191.700-191.100-189.550-186.250 1/19/07 Ball State w/ Kansas State 194.500-192.900-191.175 1/23/04 Alaska Anchorage 188.375-185.425 1/26/07 Ohio State w/ Illinois 194.850-194.550-190.174 1/31/04 Centenary w/ Texas Women’s 189.900-189.300-189.100 2/2/07 Northern Illinois 192.275-191.600 2/07/04 Boise State w/ Texas Women’s & Illinois-Chicago 193.375-192.425-192.100-189.400 2/17/07 SEMO w/ Wiscounsin-OshKosh 193.750-191.675-181.850 2/11/04 Illinois-Chicago 195.300-189.450 2/25/07 Illinois-Chicago w/ Iowa 195.800-193.575-190.250 2/20/04 Eastern Michigan 192.950-190.300 2/28/07 Illinois 194.225-192.925 2/27/04 Illinois UW-La Crosse 194.675-187.825-184.175 3/4/07 SEMO 194.850-193.975 2/29/04 Eastern Michigan w/ Central Michigan & Ball State 193.675-193.575-190.700-189.075 3/10/07 Missouri w/ Northern Illinois & Centenary 197.125-192.875-191.750-191.400 3/06/04 SEMO 192.400-190.600 3/13/07 Illinois Classic 196.300-194.475-194.225-193.250 3/13/04 Illinois Classic 194.625-194.125-193.725-188.500 3/25/07 Illinois-Chicago 196.050-192.600 3/17/04 (w/ Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Northern Iowa) Midwest Independent Conference 192.825, 4th place 3/20/04 Midwest Indpendent Conference 193.375, 5th place 3/31/07

2005 Records 2008 Records

Opponent Score Date Opponent Score Date Illinois & Central Michigan 193.825-192.350-189.100 1/08/05 Central Michigan 191.550-186.125 1/13/08 Southest Missouri State 187.225-185.300 1/15/05 Ball State 190.525-187.325 1/18/08 Cardinal Classic 192.325-192.125-191.950-190.275-185.600 1/21/05 Southeast Missouri 192.200-194.050 1/25/08 (Illinois, Western Michigan, Ball State, Wisconsin-Eau) Centenary 192.775-191.825 2/1/08 Ohio State w/ Oklahoma 195.900-194.775-188.625 1/29/05 Rhode Island 193.975-190.625 2/08/08 Illinois w/ Iowa, Illinois & Illinois-Chicago 194.025-193.475-192.675-187.025 2/05/05 Alaska 189.450-186.425 2/15/08 Illinois Chicago 193.400-190.025 2/12/05 Alaska 191.150-188.625 2/17/08 Northern Illinois w/ Wisonsin-Whitewater 190.825-187.525-178.825 2/19/05 SEMO 193.025-192.900 3/2/08 Missouri w/ New Hampshire & Towson 195.250-192.850-192.650-187.900 2/25-26/05 Eastern Michigan 190.625 3/08/08 SEMO 192.975-189.125 3/06/05 Illinois-Chicago 192.150-193.625 3/11/08 Illinois-Chicago 194.225-190.900 3/09/05 State of Illinois Meet 191.150 3/22/08 Michigan State w/ Illinois-Chicago 194.725-193.900-190.600 3/12/05 Midwest Independent Conference 190.775, 5th place 3/28/08 Illinois-Chicago w/ Illinois & Northern Illinois 195.250-194.000-192.750-191.250 3/19/05 Midwest Independent Conference 192.650, 5th place 3/25/05

2006 Records 2009 Records

Opponent Score Date Opponent Score Date UW-LaCrosse & Winona State 183.725-173.900-173.000 1/6/06 SEMO 191.725-191.525 1/02/09 Kentucky & SEMO 194.150-185.200 -181.525 1/14/06 Central Michigan 191.825-192.225 1/09/09 SEMO 189.425-188.425 1/21/06 Michigan State (w/ Iowa, West Virginia) 190.700 1/17/09 Bowling Green 189.100-187.500 1/28/06 Bowling Green 191.675-190.800 1/23/09 Illinois 194.175-187.875 2/4/06 Sacremento State 192.825-192.800 1/30/09 SEMO 189.800-187.625 2/17/06 University of California (w/ Washington) 191.350 2/01/09 Western Michigan 188.750-187.075 2/24/06 Wisconsin-LaCrosse (w/ Winona State) 189.200-183.325-180.750 2/06/09 Illinois-Chicago 191.175-188.425 3/3/06 SEMO 194.150-193.775 2/13/09 Illinois-Chicago 193.125-191.650 3/5/06 Wisconsin-LaCrosse 193.200-188.975 2/22/09 Eastern Michigan & Rhode Island 190.775-190.450-190.425 3/11/06 Illinois-Chicago 193.725-192.400 2/28/09 Illinois Classic 191.850-190.275-190.150-189.875 3/18/06 Oklahoma (w/ Texas Woman’s University) 191.750 3/07/09 Midwest Indpendent Conference 189.025, 5th place 3/25/06 Illinois Classic 193.375 3/15/09 (Illinois, Northern Illinois, Illinois-Chicago) Midwest Independent Conference 192.775, 2nd place 3/21/09

18 19 2010 Records 2013 Records Opponent Score Date Opponent Score Date Central Michigan 191.475-191.650 1/10/10 Lindenwood 190.850-187.800 1/11/13 SEMO 190.80-190.50 1/15/10 Northern Illinois 192.175-192.050 1/13/13 Air Force w/ Western Michigan 190.925-185.150-190.525-183.300 1/24/10 Illinois-Chicago 194.050-192.450 1/27/13 & Wiscounsin-LaCrosse Illinois vs Michigan Classic 388.725-386.900 2/2/13 Oshkosh w/ Winona 192.60-180.00-179.45 1/31/10 Arizona, Pittsburgh & Texas Woman’s 195.950-194.750-192.825-191.125 2/8/13 Ball State 194.150-193.925 2/05/10 Southeast Missouri 193.425-192.875 2/15/13 Illinois-Chicago 191.375-189.350 2/12/10 Southeast Missouri 195.000-193.925 2/24/13 Ball State 192.075-191.400 2/21/10 Ohio State 195.950-192.775 3/3/13 Missouri Cat Classic 196.875-194.400 2/26/10 Denver w/ Arizona 197.200-195.675-194.275 3/9/13 SEMO 194.375-193.275 2/28/10 Illinois Classic 194.075, 2nd place 3/16/13 Alaska-Anchorage 193.825-187.600 3/05/10 Midwest Independent Conference 195.425, 2nd place 3/23/13 Kentucky 194.650-193.275 3/12/10 Illinois Classic 191.975, 4th place 3/20/10 Midwest Independent Conference 193.150, 2nd place 3/27/10 2014 Records 2011 Records Opponent Score Date Opponent Score Date SEMO 191.500-190.275 1/08/11 Ball State 189.000-188.950 1/04/14 Seattle Pacific 186.200-189.600 1/14/11 Iowa State w/ Michigan in Ames 194.600-196.525-187.400 1/10/14 Washington w/ Boise State & Seattle Pacific 194.825-194.575-188.025-185.825 1/15/11 Penn State 190.400-187.900 1/18/14 Eastern Michigan w/ Central Michigan 192.025-188.975-193.375 1/23/11 Lindenwood 190.175-189.950 1/24/14 & Illinois-Chicago Illinois-Chicago, Central Michigan 192.650-196.000-194.800-191.800 2/1/14 Denver 193.925-194.400 1/30/11 & Eastern Michigan Ball State 191.975-193.25 2/04/11 Alaska-Anchorage 191.025-188.925 2/7/14 SEMO 192.925-193.775 1/11/11 Lindenwood w/ Missoui 190.925-194.050-190.175 2/14/14 Ball State w/ Seattle Pacific & UW Lacrosse 192.750-194.000-190.825-189.875 2/18/11 Illinois, Illinois-Chicago 195.825-194.300-193.625-193.200 2/21/14 Texas Women’s w/ Centenary 194.150-191.125-190.425 2/26/11 & Northern Illinois Illinois-Chicago 193.475-192.925 3/05/11 Penn 193.325-191.450 3/1/14 Nothern Illinois w/ Illinois-Chicago & Illinois 194.025-192.650-193.325-196.975 3/12/11 SEMO 195.025-192.425 3/09/14 SEMO w/ Centenary, Texas Women’s 193.775-189.85-191.900-192.525-192.075 3/19/11 Illinois-Chicago 195.200-191.825 3/15/14 & Illinois Chicago Midwest Independent Conference 192.450, 5th place 3/22/14 Midwest Indpendent Conference 191.900, 4th place 3/19/11

2012 Records

Opponent Score Date Ball State 190.850-186.300 1/8/12 Ball State 191.625-191.275 1/13/12 Southeast Missouri State 192.200-186.775 1/21/12 Michigan State 193.625-194.400 1/28/12 Eastern Michigan w/ Central Michigan 192.875-191.775-192.200-194.125 2/3/12 & Illinois-Chicago Seattle Pacific, Temple, Wisconsin-Stout 193.625-191.600-190.250-178.625 2/10/12 Western Michigan 194.775-195.125 2/17/12 SEMO 193.650-194.375 2/24/12 Northern Illinois 194.350-195.100 3/04/12 Centenary w/ Illinois-Chicago 193.200-193.650-192.800 3/10/12 Champaign w/ Illinois-Chicago 196.150-194.550-193.050 3/17/12 & Northern Illinois Midwest Independent Conference 194.800, 1st place 3/24/12

20 21

Dr. Larry Dietz Cindy Harris President Senior Associate Athletics Director/Compliance and Student Services Larry Dietz became the 19th president of Illinois State University March 22, 2014. Former Redbird volleyball star Cindy Harris enters her 16th year at her alma mater, currently in the role of senior He came to the University in June 2011 as vice president for Student Affairs. He led the Division of associate athletics director for compliance and student services. Student Affairs, which includes the Dean of Students Office, Student Health Services, Student Counseling Harris’ responsibilities include the daily oversight and function of the athletics department’s NCAA compliance efforts, Center, University Housing Services, Disability Concerns, Career Center, Campus Dining Services, Campus including review of all eligibility and financial aid matters for 19 varsity teams and approximately 475 student-athletes. Harris Recreation, Bone Student Center and Braden Auditorium, Student Affairs Information Technology, Health is also responsible for many of the athletics department’s student services initiatives, including the academic review process, Promotion and Wellness, and the University Police, as well as other units. He is also a tenured associate housing, dining, fifth-year aid program, and oversight of the NCAA Student Assistance Fund. professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations. Harris serves as the athletic department’s primary liaison to several campus units, including admissions, financial aid, Previously, he served as vice chancellor for Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale university registrar, University College Advising Unit, housing, dining, International Student (SIUC) for 10 years. Dietz also served as special assistant to the chancellor at SIUC and as a tenured Services, and programs and student accounts. Harris plays a leadership role for the university in the areas of NCAA Academic associate professor in educational administration and higher education. Prior to his tenure there, he served Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR), not only in compiling data and preparing appropriate records, but as vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, among other leadership positions, at the also in projecting future rates and improvement strategies with coaches, sport administrators, and the athletics department’s University of Missouri-Kansas City for 15 years, and in leadership positions at Iowa State University for 13 academic support staff. In addition, Harris is the direct supervisor of two Redbird sport programs: swimming and diving and years. gymnastics. Dietz earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration and his master’s degree in higher education She formerly served as a liaison to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and served a four-year stint on and student personnel from Iowa State University and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern the NCAA Division I Progress Toward Degree Waivers Committee. Currently she is on two NCAA advisory committees – APR Illinois University. He attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University, a Fulbright International Education Seminar for and Technology. Before returning to ISU, Harris was an associate commissioner at the Mid-Continent Conference (now the Summit League), where, in addition to serving Administrators in Germany and the Harvard Management Development Program. in the capacity of Senior Woman Administrator for the 10-member league, she oversaw the conference’s NCAA compliance program, served as the chief liaison to all sport Dietz was selected to represent the American Universities Iraq Consortium on a panel with Prime Minister Al-Malaki and represented SIUC at the Iraq committees, and coordinated the league’s championship events and awards programs. Harris earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State in 1984, and later earned her Education Initiative in Baghdad. He had responsibility for SIUC’s campus in Japan and has negotiated agreements with institutions in China, Malaysia, master’s degree at Utah. Kuwait, Germany and the Czech Republic. Larry Lyons Director of Athletics Quality facility upgrades from Redbird Arena to Duffy Bass Field to Hancock Stadium provide a visual picture of the quality leadership Larry Lyons has shown during more than 28 years with Illinois State athletics, leading up to his May 2013 appointment as Director of Athletics. When Hancock Stadium, the new “front door” to the Illinois State University campus and Bloomington-Normal community, opened in 2013, it will be the latest and largest in a long line of Redbird Athletics facility improvements and other projects with the Lyons’ touch. Lyons’ creative talents in finance, facilities and administrative leadership have enhanced opportunities for Illinois State University student-athletes to achieve their goals and reach for their dreams. In the process, those student-athletes have won conference championships and earned academic degrees at the highest levels in more than 100 years of Redbird Athletics history. Beyond facilities, Lyons’ leadership has resulted in financial stability through the enhancement and quality expenditure of all five principal forms of funding; student fees, development dollars, income fund, tuition waivers plus branding and ticket revenue. Lyons has been the athletics department’s liaison to the University for human resources, administrative and fee-related projects. Amanda Brown Ryan Swenson Also serving as campus representative to the ISU Foundation Board of Directors for three terms, the Athletic Trainer Strength Coach certified public accountant became known throughout college athletics for his fiscal skills. His ability to craft winning competitive bids for post-season Amanda Brown joined the Illinois State University athletic training staff Ryan Swenson is serving in his first year as a graduate assistant strength tournaments, both conference and NCAA, has provided the competitive “home court” advantage for many quality Redbird teams, and has helped Illinois in August of 2014 as the assistant athletic trainer covering gymnastics. and conditioning coach. Before coming to ISU, Swenson graduated with a State earn a national reputation for hosting significant competitions. Brown earned her master’s degree from the University of Virginia in June Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from North Dakota State Additionally, Lyons has served as the liaison to the Weibring Golf Club, supervised the athletic training, athletic equipment and the strength and of 2014. While at UVA, Brown worked primarily with the track & field University in August of 2012. During his undergraduate education, Ryan was conditioning units, while providing administrative leadership for men’s and women’s golf and baseball. He also assisted with administrative leadership and women’s golf teams. a member of the track & field team. He also completed a summer internship roles with the football and men’s basketball programs and was instrumental in the fostering the current apparel and equipment contract with Nike. Brown obtained her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University with North Dakota State University Strength and Conditioning in 2012, Arriving on campus during the construction of Redbird Arena (opening in 1989), Lyons has also had leadership roles in several major facility in 2013. At ONU, Brown provided several teams with medical coverage where he assisted with incoming freshman and returning football along with construction and renovation projects, including the Kaufman Football Building (2000), the Owen Strength and Conditioning Center (2005), the Hancock as an athletic training student. Throughout her undergraduate education, women’s basketball. Following undergrad, Ryan was a graduate volunteer Stadium turf replacement (2007), video scoreboard installations in Redbird Arena and Hancock Stadium (2007), the Gregory Street Tennis Courts (2008), Brown was also a member of the swimming and diving team. with University of North Dakota Strength and Conditioning, where he assisted the Redbird Arena Media Room (2010), the Redbird Arena Video Production Suite (2010), and the Franke Family men’s basketball locker room (2012). with football and swimming and diving during the 2012-2013 academic year. Lyons’ involvement on campus has included a host of committees and task forces including his current efforts with the Campus Master Plan committee. While at UND, Ryan also served as a course instructor for the university. Ryan Lyons earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois in 1978 and a second bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois State in 1986. Lyons and his wife, is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. Maureen reside in Normal, Illinois. They have two grown children, Matt and Kristin. A native of Breckenridge, Minn., Swenson is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). 22 23 Redbird Strength and Conditioning Mission:

One size never fits all. That’s why the Illinois State University staff take the time to build strength and Redbird Arena conditioning programs one student-athlete at a time. The needs and goals of each and every individual student-athlete--no matter what the sport--are different.

The strength and conditioning staff use computers, along with the latest in strength and speed training equipment, to create customized programs for each and every Illinois State student-athlete. Nutrition education programs are part of the package as well.

It all comes together to focus on each student-athlete, not only developing the power, agility and speed The Illinois State gymnastics team competes in both Redbird Arena and Horton Field House. which keeps Redbird Athletics the “Home of Champions,” but also laying the groundwork for an active Redbird Arena was opened in 1989. Since then, a crowd of up to 10,200 fans have been lifetime ... one student-athlete at a time. amazed at the sporting events being put on in the arena. It has been deemed the “crown Strength and conditioning continue to be the most important factors in collegiate sports. The Redbird jewel” of ISU’s athletics facilities. It can be seen for miles because of its 65,000 foot Teflon- Strength and Condititioning program is dedicated to developing each individual to achieve maximum coated dome roof which rises 100 feet above the floor. results. The strength and conditioning staff incorporate nutrition, strength training, speed and conditioning training as well as flexibility into their program. The goal is to help each student-athlete become more pre- pared for their sport during competition season and to reduce the likelihood of an injury.

Horton Field House

Horton Field House has a main field house, pool, two gymnasiums, athletics training/ rehabilitation center, equipment rooms and locker rooms. The gymnasts practice in the field house. The low balcony of Horton allows for a birds-eye-view for fans to become a part of the gymnastics experience at competitions.

24 25 The Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT Three academic advisors from the university’s Academic Advisement Center work specifically with student-athletes to ensure progress toward a degree. As former Illinois State student-athletes, those advisors understand the challenges faced by their The Redbird academic support services staff understands the daily challenges student- counterparts today. athletes have to balance because many staff members are former college student-athletes and coaches themselves. With the unbridled support of Redbird coaches and athletics administrators, the academic support services staff helps student-athletes coordinate the CAREER DEVELOPMENT demands they face athletically, academically, socially and personally. Working with other areas of the university, academic support personnel are developing career preparation and career-enhancement programs. Those programs include: career Beyond their own care, concern and constant availability to help, the academic support assessment assistance, resource materials, resume writing, summer jobs in related staff’s greatest asset is the comfortable, computerized Karin L. Bone Study Center. fields, internships and externships. That’s where programs like targeting, career development, community service projects, counseling and assistance for Redbird student-athletes from all 19 sports take place daily. DATABASE People and programs not only contribute to an outstanding Redbird student-athlete The athletics study center staff has developed its own database for every student- graduation rate of more than 85 percent, but also prepare them to be leaders for a athlete at Illinois State. Coaches can monitor academic progress and keep up on a lifetime. student’s awards and community service activities from their offices by computer. Illinois State’s Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center has been the model other PRIORITY REGISTRATION universities have tried to copy. Redbird student-athletes continually rank above the Early registration allows student-athletes access to classes they need. This helps them national average for graduation rates, and generally graduate at a higher level than non- match their academic and athletic time commitments. athletes at Illinois State. With very specific programs aimed at the unique needs of the student-athlete and an extremely dedicated staff, Illinois State provides one of the most comprehensive programs in the country. TARGETING Student-athletes who enter the university are provided one-on-one academic assistance at the start of their college careers. This provides the best chance for a good start, as well as the implementation of an academic plan that best suits each individual student- athlete. Athletics Study Center Study Athletics Athletics Study Center Study Athletics TUTORING The Karin Bone Athletics Study Center staff helps obtain qualified tutors to meet unique student-athlete needs.

26 27 The Battle Bird Before each athletic competition, Illinois State student-athletes touch “The Battle Bird,” which is similar to the Redbird logo. The ceremony signifies dedication to Illinois State as well as a common bond to the school’s other student-athletes, past and present. The sculpture was created by ISU alum and Bloomington resident Rick Harney. The Battle Bird was unveiled October 21, 2000, right before the Redbirds hosted Prairie View A&M in football.

The Mascot The mascot of ISU is Reggie Redbird, a student in costume. Reggie was named in 1980 after a contest featuring Junior Redbird Club members. The Reggie suit is donated by Rick Percy, general manager of Clemens and Associates Insurance. Illinois State University is Illinois’ first public university. It is located in Normal, Illinois and has been The Walk of Champions around since 1857. Illinois State’s motto is “Gladly we learn and teach,” reflecting the education program In August, new Redbird student-athletes take a torch-guided tour through some of the historic landmarks here at ISU. According to the American Association of Teacher Education, Illinois State is recognized as of the campus to learn the proud heritage of Illinois State. The cumulation of the evening is when the new Redbirds receive half of a medallion. They receive the other half on the night of their senior banquet. The one of the top 10 schools for producing excellent teachers. ISU has grown since then offering a variety of inscription on the medallion, which also features the Redbird logo, is a phrase from the fight song, ‘To majors to complete at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. this emblem we’ll be true.”

Enrollement

Total students: 20,762 ISU Fight Song Undergraduates: 18,254 Graduates: 2,508 57 percent of our students are women, 43 percent are men. “Go You Redbirds onto battle! Fight for ISU. 13 percent of Illinois State students are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Raise the banner, red, and White; to this emblem we’ll be true.

Six Academic Colleges So let us cheer the Redbirds on to victory! College of Applied Science and Technology College of Arts and Sciences Every voice proclaim: Illinois State University State Illinois College of Business University State Illinois College of Education College of Fine Arts ‘We’ve got the fight! We’ve got the might! Let’s win this game.’” Mennonite College of Nursing

28 29 The Bloomington-Normal area is a vibrant community, home to 167,699 people who exemplify the values of the Midwest and the remarkable qualities of life. 2015 SCHEDULE Located in the heart of Illinois at the intersection of Interstates 39, 55 and 74 makes getting here easy; we’re just a few hours from Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Bloomington-Normal boasts JANUARY a bustling airport as well as frequent Amtrak service. January 11 Sunday SEMO 1:00 p.m.

Experience one of our outstanding hotels, unique restaurants or exciting leisure attractions such as January 18 Sunday Centenary 2:00 p.m. the Children’s Discovery Museum, the David Davis Mansion or the McLean County Museum of History. Enjoy premier entertainment at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, the U.S. January 25 Sunday UIC 2:00 p.m. Cellular Coliseum or Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium. January 31 Saturday Illinois vs. Michigan Classic 4:00 p.m. The stability of the town’s major employers, healthcare professionals, locally owned businesses, numerous media providers and central location in the state make Bloomington-Normal an excep- tional place to call home. Bloomington-Normal serves as the headquarters for State Farm Insurance, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. and COUNTRY Financial. Our institutions of higher FEBRUARY education include Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community February 6 Friday SEMO 7:00 p.m. College and Lincoln College-Normal. February 13 Friday Arkansas w/ SEMO 7:00 p.m.

February 20 Friday Air Force Academy 7:00 p.m.

February 22 Sunday Lindenwood 2:00 p.m.

February 28 Saturday Lindenwood w/ UIC, 4:00 p.m. & Eastern Michigan MARCH March 2 Monday Ball State 6:30 p.m.

March 7 Saturday IL Classic 6:00 p.m.

March 21 Saturday MIC Championship 4:00 p.m.

April 4 Saturday Regionals Oklahoma TBA

*Home Meets Denoted in Bold Caps. Bloomington-Normal

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