Illinois golf and softball programs undergo coaching changes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 2:48 PM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

Golf

Summary

Mike Small and Renee Slone have revitalized Illinois men's and women's golf programs respectively, each achieving significant milestones in recent years. Small has transformed Illinois into a constant NCAA tournament contender since taking over in 2000, while Slone led the women’s team to its first Big Ten title in 2023. Jenna Hall, a former All-American and Hall of Fame member, has been appointed as the new softball coach after Tyra Perry's dismissal. Hall's familiarity with the Illinois community and her previous coaching experience at multiple institutions provide a strong foundation for her to rebuild the program, which has struggled recently.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mike Small has coached Illinois golf since 2000, leading to a Big Ten contender status.
•Renee Slone completed her 20th season as Illinois women's golf coach, winning the Big Ten title in 2023.
•Jenna Hall has been hired as the new softball coach following the firing of Tyra Perry.
•Hall is a member of the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame and has prior coaching experience.
•Illinois is undergoing a rebuilding phase in softball after struggling recently with a 15-39 record.

Latest Updates

2:48 PMYahoo Sports — Coaching at your alma mater can be a good thing ... just ask Small and Slone

What they're saying

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Jun. 4—URBANA — Coming home ... to coach. When it works, it can be glorious and game-changing. Like with Illinois golf, both men's and women's. In 2000 with his playing career at a crossroads, Mike Small listened to a compelling pitch from then-Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther: "We need you to take over the golf team," Guenther said in so many words. Remember, Small had never been a ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Golf