Longtime Illinois Cheerleading Coach Stephanie Record Announces Retirement After 32 Years Leading Program
June 23, 2026 | General, Cheerleading
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— After more than three decades of dedicated service to the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Athletics, longtime Illinois Head Cheerleading Coach Stephanie Record has announced her retirement, concluding a remarkable 32-year tenure leading one of the most visible and tradition-rich programs in Illinois Athletics.
An Illinois alumna and former Fighting Illini cheerleader, Record has served as head coach of the program since 1994, becoming one of the longest-tenured spirit program leaders in the Big Ten Conference while helping shape generations of student-athletes who proudly represented the University on some of its biggest stages.
"With more than 30 years leading our program, Stephanie Record has become synonymous with Fighting Illini Cheerleading," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "The impact she has made on Illinois Athletics and the hundreds of students she has coached over the last three decades cannot be overstated. She has been an incredible ambassador for the University and someone who has approached this role every day with pride and a genuine care for the students she served. We are deeply grateful for everything Stephanie has meant to this University and wish her all the best in retirement."
"After much thought and reflection, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to retire from college coaching and conclude my 32 years leading the Illinois Cheerleading program," Record said. "My journey with the Fighting Illini Cheerleading program began when I made the 18-member coed team in 1990. Standing in Memorial Stadium, Assembly Hall, and Huff Gym, cheering on the teams I loved, was an incredible experience, and I never could have imagined it would become a lifelong calling and lead to a 32-year coaching career. While it is not easy to leave something that has meant so much to me for so many years, I do so with tremendous gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and memories this program has given me.
"It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve the University of Illinois and work alongside so many incredible student-athletes," Record continued. "I am deeply grateful to the hundreds of cheerleaders, coaches, staff members, alumni, and supporters who have been part of this journey. Illinois Cheerleading has shaped my life and my family. Rush and I are incredibly proud that our daughters, Kennedy and Delaney, grew up surrounded by Illini traditions and chose to attend the University of Illinois. As a family, we are proud University of Illinois graduates, and Illinois Athletics has given us memories, friendships, and a family legacy that we will always cherish. While I'm stepping away from coaching, I will always be proud to be a Fighting Illini."
A graduate of the University of Illinois and former member of the Fighting Illini cheerleading squad from 1990-93, Record earned three degrees from Illinois: a Bachelor of Science in psychology and two master's degrees—in social work and educational leadership. As a student-athlete, she was a Varsity "I" letterwinner and developed a lifelong connection to Illinois Athletics that would ultimately shape her career.
Record returned to her alma mater and assumed leadership of the program in September 1994. Since then, she has overseen every aspect of Illinois Cheerleading while mentoring hundreds of cheerleaders who represented Illinois at football, basketball, postseason competition, and countless university and community events.
Throughout her tenure, Record built a program known for its commitment to leadership, academic success, safety, service, and school pride while helping preserve traditions that have connected generations of Fighting Illini fans and student-athletes. In addition to representing Illinois at athletic events and university functions throughout the year, the program also competed on the national stage during portions of her tenure.
In 2025, Record received the Illinois Athletics Merit Award, recognizing her decades of service and lasting impact on Fighting Illini Athletics. The award honors individuals who have significantly influenced the lives of Illinois student-athletes through their leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the University. Record became the first cheerleading coach to receive the honor.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Record has served for the past 18 years as executive director of Crisis Nursery, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through emergency care and support services for children and families in crisis. While retiring from coaching, she will continue in her role as executive director, leading the organization's mission to strengthen and support vulnerable children and families throughout the community.
A national search for the next leader of the Illinois Cheerleading program will begin immediately.
