Aug. 10, 2009

Champaign, Ill. - Illinois head coach Renee Slone has announced the hiring of former Illini player Stephanie (Mory) Wagemann as assistant women's golf coach.

Wagemann was a four-year letterwinner for Illinois, graduating in 2008. As a senior, she totaled the second-best stroke average (77.38) on the team and notched four top-20 and two top-10 finishes. That year she tied for third at the Illini Spring Classic and led Illinois to the team title. The Haslett, Mich., native was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten and two-time George Huff Award winner and ranks eighth on Illinois' all-time stroke average list (79.33). Wagemann received a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology, graduating with honors.

Since graduation, Wagemann has served as an assistant coach for St. Thomas More High School in Champaign, helping guide the Sabers to the runner-up finish at the IHSA Class A State Tournament. She has been assistant club professional at Champaign Country Club since March, coaching and supervising over 40 women's golf clinics and schools. Wagemann has also been a leadership team captain for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus.

"Coming back to Illinois and coaching for the school I love in a sport that is a big part of my life is certainly exciting," Wagemann said. "Renee has been a mentor to me as I searched for a direction on staying involved in golf, whether it be playing or coaching. She has a lot of knowledge of the short game and has taught me a lot about the mental side of the game."

"I was looking for someone who wanted to make this their career," Slone said. "Stephanie is familiar with the program obviously, having gone through it recently. She is one of the most reliable people I know and a very hard worker. Stephanie has had a lot of experience teaching since she left our program and is looking to share that experience at the collegiate level."