SPRINGFIELD, IL --- Samantha Schall has been named the third men's and women's tennis coach at Illinois Springfield, as announced by the athletic department. Schall was one of three finalists after a national search was conducted and will begin at UIS on July 18th.

"I am pleased to announce the hiring of Samantha as the next head men's and women's tennis coach," said Hayley Treadway. "Sam is an incredibly passionate, goal-driven, and talented coach who understands the Division II student-athlete experience, both as a coach and as a player. The search committee was impressed with her plan for success, and felt confident she would provide the most seamless leadership transition for our student-athletes.

Schall comes to UIS from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado where she was an assistant coach for the past three seasons. Since the fall of 2013, Schall has helped with the Roadrunners day-to-day player development, overall program operations, as well as assisted with projects and events, including the 2016 NCAA Division II Spring Championship Festival.

"I would like to thank Hayley Treadway and the search committee for their confidence in me to be the next head coach at UIS," said Schall. "I am looking forward to working under Jim Sarra's leadership and with the coaches and staff at UIS as we continue to grow the tennis programs and contribute to the overall success of the athletic department."

Schall was a 2013 graduate from Metropolitan State where she was a four-year tennis student-athlete and graduated with a degree in business management with an emphasis in sports industry operations.  She also holds a Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration for Concordia University Irvine

While in Denver, Schall has worked as an adjunct professor for Metropolitan State, a tennis professional at Meadow Creek Tennis Center, and as an assistant coach for the previous three seasons. While at Metro State, she coached the 2013 and 2014 men's and women's Freshman of the Year, the 2013 Fall ITA South Central Region single's champion, and led the men's team to a Division II national ranking for the first time in six years.

"UIS presents many opportunities for the tennis program to be successful on the court, in the classroom, and within the community," added Schall. "I am excited to work with the men and women on the tennis team at UIS and continue to build on the strong foundation already in place."

Schall takes over a men's team that went 13-13 last season, setting a program record for wins in the Division II era. The women's team recorded a record of 11-15, also setting a season record for wins.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT SAMANTHA SCHALL:
"Sam is a very organized coach who possesses a unique ability to inspire the people around her. She has been instrumental in helping place a strong foundation for the Metropolitan State men's and women's teams and her work here will be felt for years to come. I am excited to see her take this next opportunity at UIS, and am looking forward to seeing how she continues to progress as a coach and influence the people around her."

-Daniel Hangstefer (Head tennis coach, Metropolitan State)