CHICAGO  – The UIC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Monday it has named Megan Coronado as the next head coach of the Flames' softball program, subject to approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Coronado, who will be the 10^th head coach in UIC softball history, has spent the past decade as a coach or administrator at all levels of competitive softball following a distinguished playing career and has strong ties to the Chicagoland area from both her playing and coaching days.
 
"As someone who has called Chicago home for years, stepping into this role at UIC is more than just a coaching opportunity — it's personal," Coronado said. "I'm excited to lead a program that reflects the grit and pride of this city. My goal is to build a competitive, compassionate culture where our players thrive within a first-class environment on the diamond and in the classroom, and where our alumni, fans and the community as a whole feel connected to the flame we're igniting!"
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Megan as the next leader of UIC softball," said UIC director of intercollegiate athletics Andrea Williams. "She brings a deep knowledge of the game, a strong commitment to player development, and a proven ability to build winning cultures on and off the field. Her ties to the Chicagoland softball community and her experience across all levels of the game make her the ideal person to guide our program forward. We are excited for what's ahead under Megan's leadership."
 
Coronado has served on staffs at the NCAA Division I and II levels, including stops at Texas State, UT Arlington and Roosevelt. She also has been a key developer of young talent in the Chicago softball community for many years as both the Program Director/Organizational Lead with one of the Midwest's top travel ball programs, the Chicago Cheetahs (2018-present), and the Director of Softball Operations for Bo Jackson's Elite Sports based in suburban Bensenville, Ill. (2023-present).
 
During Coronado's tenure, the Cheetahs produced 44 players that have gone on to compete at Division I schools, including 15 in the past three recruiting cycles, and another six who have committed to Division I programs as part of the Class of 2026. Her primary focus was on creating comprehensive training programs for 18 teams and nearly 300 athletes, adding emphasis on offensive strategy and mental toughness. She also was responsible for coordinating tournaments, travel and coach development across the organization.
 
In her three seasons as associate head coach at Roosevelt, Coronado helped the Lakers to an 83-52 (.615) record, including a 41-23 (.641) mark in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play. She played a key role in Roosevelt's offensive strategies and practice planning, while also contributing to the program's recruiting, compliance, academic advising, team travel, and strength and conditioning efforts.
 
While at UTA, Coronado was part of a Mavs' squad that went 30-28 and won a National Invitation Softball Championship (NISC) regional title (the first postseason regional crown in program history) with a victory over Texas Tech in the regional final. Coronado worked closely with the UTA outfielders during the 2018 season, while also assisting with the team's recruiting, travel, video analysis and social media efforts. In addition, she led the program's alumni relations and philanthropic initiatives that year.
 
The prior season, Coronado helped Texas State to a 42-17 record and a runner-up finish in the Sun Belt Conference. The Bobcats then earned an at-large berth into the 2017 NCAA Tournament, defeating Texas in their first-round game before a pair of close losses to host Texas A&M and Texas closed out their season. Coronado was tasked with individualized player development, specifically with Texas State's outfielders, while managing the program's alumni outreach and contributing to community partnerships and engagement.
 
Coronado gained additional experience at the professional level during the summer of 2017 as director of game day operations for the Texas Charge of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). In that role, she managed ticket sales, concessions, press box and field operations, and developed game day protocols while helping the franchise double its revenue from preseason estimates during its inaugural season in San Marcos, Texas.
 
Before entering the coaching and administrative ranks, Coronado was a standout player at DePaul from 2011-14, helping the Blue Demons to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to NCAA regional finals, and the 2014 BIG EAST Conference title. A two-time All-BIG EAST selection (first team in 2014; second team in 2011) and member of the 2012 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic All-Tournament Team, Coronado appeared in 165 games during her DePaul career, spending time in both the outfield and at first base. She also starred in the classroom, earning second-team Academic All-America honors from College Sports Communicators (formerly the College Sports Information Directors of America) in 2014.
 
A native of Pearland, Texas, Coronado graduated from DePaul in 2014 with her bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising. Earlier this year, she completed work on her master's degree in positive coaching and athletic leadership from the University of Missouri. She currently makes her home in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on Chicago's West Side.
 
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MEGAN CORONADO
 
Eugene Lenti
DePaul University Head Coach (1979-87, 1990-2018); Auburn University Assistant Coach (2020-24)
National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame (2008)
Among Top 20 winningest coaches in NCAA history
"Megan is the perfect choice to lead UIC softball. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm, which will serve her well, not only in the daily grind, but also on the recruiting trail. Simply put, no one will outwork Megan. As someone who has watched her develop through the years, I can tell she has a strong grasp on the mental and physical fundamentals, which will be an important asset in elevating her players' performance. With Megan's hiring, UIC will quickly be back on its way to playing for Missouri Valley Conference championships and NCAA regional bids."
 
Cat Osterman
University of Texas Pitcher (2002-03, 2005-06)
Three-time Olympic medalist with Team USA (gold – 2004; silver – 2008/2020)
Four-time All-American (2002-03, 2005-06)
Three-time USA Softball National Player of the Year (2003, 2005-06)
No. 3 Greatest Player/No. 1 Greatest Pitcher in NCAA history – NCAA.com (2018, 2020)
DePaul Assistant Coach (2008-10)
Texas State Assistant/Associate Head Coach (2015-20)
General Manager – Volts/Athletes Unlimited Softball League (2025)
"Megan has been at a ball field since she was an infant. She has a drive to learn, share and be successful that any student-athlete will benefit from. She carries a passion for coaching that her father instilled in her, and that's fueled her to be her best for everyone she works for and with. Megan is more than ready to lead the Flames!"
 
Bella Dayton
University of Texas Outfielder (2022-24); University of Arizona Outfielder (2020-21)
Outfielder – Bandits/Athletes Unlimited Softball League (2025)
2024 WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals participant – Team Italy
2022 NCAA Women's College World Series All-Tournament Team
Two-time Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team (2023, 2024)
"I am so proud to see Megan — a true leader and passionate soul — step into this role she was meant for. Her drive, integrity, and heart have not only shaped my journey, but will now inspire a whole team. This role is a reflection of her unwavering dedication to the game. This is just the beginning of something great for Megan and UIC, and I can't wait to watch it unfold."