Kaltwasser Joins Illinois Women’s Golf as Director of Operations
July 9, 2026 | Women's Golf
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Rachel Kaltwasser has joined Illinois women's golf as Director of Operations, head coach Renee Slone announced on Thursday afternoon.
"We are thrilled Rachel is joining our women's golf program as Director of Operations," said Slone.
"She served as our academic counselor from 2021-23 and her attention to detail, organizational skill, creativity, and ability to plan ahead were impressive. This skill set will enable her to thrive in this position."
Kaltwasser began at Illinois in August of 2020 and has worked in academic services for the last six years. Her most recent responsibilities as Associate Director of Academic Services included serving as an academic counselor for football, women's basketball, and women's gymnastics, as well as overseeing the Young Professional Development Program. In this role, she monitored student-athlete academic progress, eligibility, and conducted one-on-one advising sessions.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my journey with Illinois Athletics as the Director of Operations for women's golf," shared Kaltwasser.
"Over the past six years, I have seen what makes this athletics department so special, and I am excited to bring my passion for Illinois Athletics to the women's golf program. I can't wait to continue supporting our student-athletes and coaches as they compete at the highest level. I-L-L!"
Prior to joining the Fighting Illini, Kaltwasser worked for two years as a graduate assistant in the student-athlete services department at Bowling Green State University. During her time at BGSU, she worked with football and softball student-athletes. She was also the co-advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and facilitated the department's We Are One Team program, a diversity and inclusion initiative. In 2020, she earned her master's degree in college student personnel from BGSU.
A native of Belleville, Illinois, Kaltwasser was a student-athlete at McKendree University from 2014-18, where she was part of the women's soccer team that won consecutive conference titles during her junior and senior seasons. She graduated from McKendree with her bachelor's degree in psychology.
