May 28, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois women's basketball coach Jolette Law announced Friday the hiring of Michael Peck as an assistant coach. Peck comes to Illinois after previously serving assistant coaching stints at Florida, Penn State and with the WNBA's Orlando Miracle. He joins returning assistant coaches Lisa Cermignano and Patrick Klein on Law's staff.
"I'm very excited about coming to Illinois and working with Jolette Law and the great staff she has assembled," Peck said. "I've known Jolette for a long time and think she's one of the brightest young coaches in NCAA basketball. There is a lot of excitement within the program, and with all the young talent there, the potential is unlimited. When I saw this opportunity at Illinois I jumped at the chance, and I feel honored to join the Illini family.
"I'm very familiar with the Big Ten Conference," Peck continued. "During my time at Penn State we won a conference title and went to the Final Four, and I think that experience will be an asset to a rising program. Illinois is a talent-rich state and I look forward to getting out on the recruiting trail and also getting to work with the current staff and players."
Peck spent a total of six years as an assistant coach for the Florida women's basketball program. He was the first staff hire for his older sister Carolyn Peck after she became the head coach at Florida on April 3, 2002. Michael remained at Florida through the 2006-07 season, helping the Gators compile a 72-76 overall record during those five years. His role at Florida included the development of the point guards in addition to various other responsibilities.
For the past three years, Peck served as a co-owner of The Wine Loft, an upscale wine bar/restaurant in Dallas. Last year he also served as an account executive for AchieveGlobal, a company that implements corporate training programs for companies around the world.
Peck began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Florida under then-head coach Carol Ross during the 1997-98 campaign, when the Gators tallied a 23-9 mark and reached the NCAA Sweet 16.
After his initial season in Gainesville, he left to assume a similar position at Penn State for the next three years, including the team's run to the 2000 Big Ten Championship and NCAA Final Four. Peck, who was one of the primary recruiters for the Lady Lions, helped orchestrate one of the nation's top recruiting classes which brought two-time Kodak All-American Kelly Mazzante to State College.
Following the 2000-01 season, Michael joined Carolyn's WNBA Orlando Miracle staff and served as an assistant coach until his return to Florida. During his four years as a collegiate assistant coach prior to returning to Gainesville in April 2002, Florida and Penn State combined for a 94-32 overall record.
"Michael Peck is someone who I have respected for years," Law said. "His diverse experience in the Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference, as well as the WNBA, has energized our current players and will excite prospective recruits. I spoke of winning championships when I came to Illinois and Michael brings championship-level experience with him, having won a Big Ten title and advancing to the Final Four during his career. His ability to spot talent and sign elite high school players, as well as coach WNBA All-Stars, is just a glimpse of the quality of work that he is capable of doing. We welcome Michael to Champaign-Urbana and look forward to making him a part of the Illini family."
A 1996 graduate and four-year letterwinner at Marshall University, Michael played his final year under current Florida men's basketball coach Billy Donovan. He still stands among the leaders on Marshall's all-time blocks list.
Peck married the former Rachel Marzouca on July 31, 1999. The couple has three children - one girl, Carly (9), and two boys - Colin (3) and Cody (2).
THE PECK FILE
Hometown: Jefferson City, Tenn.
Education: Marshall University - B.S. in journalism, 1996
Playing Experience: Basketball letterwinner at Marshall University (1991-95)
Coaching Experience
2010-pr Assistant Coach, University of Illinois
2002-07 Assistant Coach, University of Florida
2001-02 Assistant Coach, Orlando Miracle (WNBA)
1998-01 Assistant Coach, Penn State University
1997-98 Assistant Coach, University of Florida
Other Work Experience
2009-10 Account Executive, AchieveGlobal, Dallas
2007-10 Proprietor, The Wine Loft, Dallas
