Schall was tabbed the head coach of the Prairie Stars during the 2016-17 season and became the third head coach in program history.
In Schall's first season, the UIS women's tennis team reached the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Tournament for the first time in program history. Prairie Star men's tennis standout Cole Buehnerkemper broke the UIS Division II record in career wins under Schall's leadership.
Schall came to UIS from Metropolitan State in Denver, Colorado where she was an assistant coach for three seasons. Over those three years, Schall helped with day-to-day player development and assisted with special projects and events, including the 2016 NCAA Division II Spring Championship Festival.
Schall graduated from Metropolitan State in 2013 where she was a four-year member of the tennis program before graduating with a degree in business management with an emphasis in sports industry operations. She also holds a Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT SAMANTHA SCHALL:
"Sam is a very organized coach who possessies a unique ability to inspire the people around her. She has been instrumental in helping place a strong foundation for the Metro 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 her this next opportunity at UIS and am looking forward to seeing how she continues to progress as a coach and influence people around her."
Daniel Hangstefer - Head Tennis Coach - Metro State
"I am excited to see Sam make the transition because I know she is ready to take a step into a role as a head coach and keep players going in the right direction. She has so much passion and energy for coaching and for the sport of tennis. I know she will do well, be competitive, and is a great fit for Illinois Springfield and the GLVC. "
Erin Hiltner - Assistant AD/SWA - Metro State
