Illinois gymnastics head coaches, Justin Spring (Men’s Gymnastics) and Nadalie Walsh (Women’s Gymnastics) announced on July 10, 2018 the addition of Sara Rhodes to their respective staffs as Director of Operations.
“I am so happy to have Sara become more integrated with our program,” said Spring. “She has such a passion for Fighting Illini Athletics! She is going to make such a difference for Nadalie and I as we continue to push our gymnastics programs to be the best!”
Before starting her career in operations, Rhodes has spent the last 14 years as the Office Manager for Olympic Sports within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) at University of Illinois. Rhodes oversaw the office management and administration for a variety of sports including; Women’s Gymnastics, Cross Country, Track and Field, and Wrestling. She also assisted the sports programs and teams with time management, travel, and scheduling needs.
“Sara has 14 years of experience in running the administrative side of multiple sports programs which will be a huge asset to our program and for our student athletes,” said Walsh. Her knowledge of the University of Illinois’ athletic department, campus and community is exactly what I was looking and I believe she will be a valuable asset in assisting me in stepping the program forward even more.”
Rhodes earned a Bachelors in Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2003. She is also a graduate from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School (1999).
“Champaign has been home since I started college here in 1999, and I hope my love of the University and the Champaign-Urbana community helps to positively influences the gymnasts,” said Rhodes. “I am thrilled to continue my work with the gymnastics programs in a greater capacity and to continue my career within the DIA. Nadalie, Justin, and the assistant coaches all have an incredible energy, and I am eager to join in and help to continue the building of two championship programs.”
A native of Bourbonnais, Ill., Rhodes is the daughter of Ken and Nancy Rhodes and sister of Lindsey. Rhodes currently resides in Savoy with her husband, Jack Spinks.
