Michael Palmer begins his third year at the University of Illinois in 2020-21. Palmer was hired in July 2018 and enters his third season as director of operations for the Illinois softball program, and his first in the same role with Fighting Illini soccer. 

Palmer comes to Illinois following four seasons at the University of Houston where he served as the director of operations for softball since August 2014 and also served in the same capacity with the soccer program since January 2017. In his role, Palmer assisted with day-to-day operations, travel coordination and alumni and recruiting databases, while also serving as the liaison to the program's support staff.

Prior to his time as a Cougar, Palmer served as a graduate assistant manager at LSU from 2013-14, where he earned a master's degree in sports management.

A native of Dayton, Ohio, he received his bachelor's degree in sport and leisure studies at Ohio State University in August 2012. Palmer and his dog Reese currently reside in Champaign.