University of Illinois at Chicago Women's Golf

Rhoades was selected as the 2014-15 Horizon League Coach of the Year, as voted on by the league's head coaches. The accolade is the first Coach of the Year nod for Rhoades, who is guiding the Flames in their fourth year of existence. At the conclusion of the 2014-15 season, UIC recorded its best finish at the Horizon League Championship in program history as the Flames placed in a tie for fourth. UIC's 54-hole total (983) is the lowest team score at the conference championship in program history. Additionally, Kelsey Jensen's 54-hole total (237) is the lowest score at the conference championship. In 2014-15, UIC set the 54-hole total program record (974) and lowered its scoring average seven strokes (328.71) from last season. The Flames collected 44 more birdies than the 2013-14 campaign (115-71). Rhoades is a member of the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to teaching the game of golf. In 2002, Rhoades was honored as the Midwest LPGA Golf Professional of the Year and as one of the top 50 Women Teachers by Golf for Women. Since 2003, the Jamestown, Pa. native has also been a member of the PGA National President's Council. Rhoades is also a three-time finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year and has been a PGA of America Faculty Member since 2006. Throughout her decorated career, Rhoades has performed the roles of Director of Instruction and Head and Assistant Golf Professional at places throughout the United States including: Flagg Creek Golf Course (Countryside, Ill.), the Dr. Jim Suttie Golf Academy (Frankfort, Ill.), Olympia Fields Country Club (Olympia Fields, Ill.), The Ridges Golf Club (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) and the Gainesville Golf and Country Club (Gainesville, Fla). Along the way Rhoades has been instrumental in the development and implementation of various junior programs including Hook a Kid on Golf, First Tee and the Special Olympics. From 2012-15, Rhoades has been named an honorable mention selection for U.S. Kids Golf's Top 50 Kids Teachers Award, which annually recognizes the world's most outstanding youth golf instructors. Rhoades is a big contributor to junior golf and devotes a lot of time to teaching young golfers. Rhoades is no stranger to the collegiate game, either. From 1991-92, she worked as the head women's golf coach at the College of William and Mary. In that capacity, she oversaw all aspects of the program from budgeting, scheduling and player development. She has also volunteered with several high school and college programs throughout her career. Rhoades received her Bachelor of Science in health and physical education from Longwood University in Farmville, Va. She also holds a master's degree in athletic administration from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Rhoades makes her home in Lockport, Ill.