Erin Egolf

Hometown: Springfield, IL

Current Location: Marquette, MI

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

I played soccer my entire life growing up. I knew from an early age that I wanted to stay in touch with the game as long as I possibly could. Professional soccer was my goal for a long time, but as I continued in my playing career, I got a better understanding of what that would mean. Most likely, I would have had to go overseas after college if I wanted to continue my playing career, and that just wasn't in the cards for me. With that in mind, I took as many opportunities to learn about the coaching side of athletics during college. After the fall of my senior season, my coach (Pete Kowall) retired, so the team needed a coach for the spring. I was able to step into that role which was extremely valuable from an experience perspective. It was also great reinforcement that collegiate coaching was what I wanted to do with my life. I was then able to step into the assistant coach role at UIS for three seasons where I was able to get incredible hands-on experience in every aspect of coaching. Blessings continued to come my way when the head role opened and I received the opportunity to jump into the position. I have had many different coaches and a few different bosses who I have learned from. All of those experiences, whether positive, negative or somewhere in between have shaped me as a coach. Coaching is constant learning and evolving, and I am still growing as a head coach to this day.

Who or what has played a significant role in influencing or mentoring you?

The game itself has had the most significant role in influencing me. I love soccer, and I couldn't imagine my life without it. Getting to share that love of the game with others fuels me. Having the opportunity to help players grow within the sport, and grow as people is extremely fulfilling.

My parents and brother have been a tremendous support system my entire life, and have always been encouraging of me in my coaching journey. They were, and still are, the shoulder I could cry on, the biggest celebrants of my successes, and the rationale perspective when I couldn't find it myself. I would not be doing what I am today without their love, care and overwhelming support, and I love and appreciate them more than I can put into words.

I also had a great assistant coach during my 8 years as head coach at UIS- Jason Vlcek. He was, and still is, one of my best friends. He encouraged me to go for the head position when it opened, and he stuck by my side for the duration of my tenure. The program would not have gotten as far as it did without him, and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

I also had a terrific colleague in Adam Hall, the UIS Head Men's Soccer Coach. We accepted our respective head coaching positions at very similar times and worked together for 8 seasons. I couldn't imagine a better person to work alongside. The understanding he had, the knowledge he imparted, and the perspective he was able to share was so valuable, and I will forever be grateful for our time together.

I had many other wonderful colleagues, and more importantly, friends, during my time at UIS that supported me, and helped me be the best version of myself in my role. Sam Barr (Schall), Casey Thousand, Allison Thornley, Paul Kabbes, Laura Liesman, Jenna Kotas, Kamille Jones, Nicole Hager, Amy Pruitt, Cheyanne Bonnett (Bowman), Pete Kowall, the assistant coaches I had, several UIS faculty & staff, Springfield community members and so many more. Thank you for everything you did to assist, guide and support me in my coaching journey!

My Illinois State Women's Soccer crew, as short-lived as it was, will always have a special place in my heart. I learned a ton during my ten month stint there, and met a lot of phenomenal people!

What accomplishments or contributions are you most proud of—professionally or personally?

I have been able to see the progression of UIS Women's Soccer from it's inception, essentially, to where it is today. As a player, our UIS team was new to D2, and there were certainly growing pains. But I am so proud of the development the program went through during my 14 years. I can say very honestly that I gave EVERYTHING I had to the program during my time there, and I think that is reflected in the many successes that were achieved over the years. In fall 2022, our UIS team finished 5th in conference (highest finish ever), most wins in a season (10), advanced to the GLVC Championship game for the first time ever and broke so many program records. That is a season I will never forget.

I had the honor to coach so many great players, students and people. To see the group of distinguished alumni today, what they have achieved, and all that they are positively contributing to the world is what I am proud of most of all.

What goals, projects, or aspirations are you excited about for the future?

Every day, I feel so lucky that I get to coach soccer as a profession. My goals and aspirations are to add value and be valued in whatever place/role that I am in. Currently, I am nearly a year into my Head Coach position at Northern Michigan University, and I am so excited to continue building this program. There is so much potential here, and I am eager to keep pushing this program to achieve its full potential.

What advice would you share with other emerging professionals who want to make an impact in their field or community?

When the Head Coach position at UIS opened, I didn't know if I was ready or not. I didn't know if I had what it took to step into that role. My best advice is to trust yourself, and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. That is where the most growth happens. Thankfully, I had an amazing group of people that helped me through the transition and supported me through those early years, and that certainly helped, but at the heart of it all, I had to believe in myself and trust that I could do the job.

The other best piece of advice I can give is to collaborate. There is a lot to be learned from others, so don't wonder in silence. Enlist help, get other opinions, be open-minded and ask questions.

Outside of work, what activities, interests, or passions keep you inspired and grounded?

Exercise, cooking, reading and spending quality time with family, friends and my Godchildren (Willow and Beckett). I also am a huge fan of music, enjoy going on vacations (to the beach or hiking), and celebrating holidays.