2013 Inductee

On September 18, 2013, the Illinois Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) inducted University of Illinois head women’s golf coach Renee Slone into their Hall of Fame. She becomes just the fifth member to be inducted into the prestigious group.

“I am humbled by this honor as it not only recognizes my playing accomplishments but more importantly the impact I have had on women’s golf in the state of Illinois,” Slone said. “I am privileged to have the opportunity to assist young women achieve their athletic, academic and personal goals every day. I feel fortunate to have been able to introduce the game of golf to numerous individuals through clinics, camps and lessons. I am honored to receive recognition for my 34 years of involvement in this great game.”

The honor is not the first hall of fame accolades Slone has received in her career. In 2004, the Metamora, Ill. native was inducted into both the National Golf Coaches Association Players Hall of Fame and the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame.

“The IWGA was established to recognize women from the state of Illinois who have made exceptional contributions to the game of golf on behalf of the girls and women of Illinois,” current IWGA board member Suzanne Younger said. “Renee Slone has impacted golf in Illinois both as an exceptional player and as a role model for the girls and young women who will follow in her footsteps.”

Slone is undoubtedly the most decorated women’s golfer in Illinois history.  During her senior season in 1993, she averaged a school-record 74.33 strokes per round, claimed a school-record eight medalist titles, including the Big Ten Championship, and was named the 1993 National College Player of the Year by both the National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) and Golfweek Magazine. Throughout her career she was a three-time All-American, claimed three straight top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships and was a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Championship Medalist.

Slone is currently in her eighth season as head coach for the Fighting Illini. The Orange and Blue are off to a great start this fall as the women’s squad finished in third place at the Ptarmigan Classic and second place at the Minnesota Invitational.