Jen Clark Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 5th Year Alma Mater: Illinois State, '01

Jen Clark enters her fifth season as an assistant coach for the Northern Illinois women's golf program. Like Tyska, Clark is a graduate of Illinois State University (2001) and brings a strong knowledge of the Illinois prep golf scene to DeKalb.

After serving as the girls golf coach at Normal Community High School for two seasons, Clark has brought a strong coaching background to the team, which has proven to be an immediate asset for the Huskies. In 2004-05, Northern Illinois won tournament titles at the Western Illinois Westerwind Invitational and the NIU Huskie Classic, while sophomore standout Lisa Bailey became the first All-MAC performer in school history.

Clark also plays a key role in the many tournaments that the Huskies host, as she serves as the tournament director for the Snowbird, Huskie Classic, Springlake and Baja Invitationals.

"Jen has brought so much to our staff," head coach Pam Tyska said. "She has a competitive background and knows what it takes to be successful in NCAA Division-I athletics and is passing that off to our student-athletes. Her background in athletic conditioning has also allowed her to direct our off-season training program, which translates into improved performance on the golf course."

Outside of the competitive realm of golf, Clark also has experience with the personal side of the game. She has volunteered her time with the Hook a Kid on Golf program, as well as at Illinois Junior Golf Association events. Clark also served as director of the Start Smart Golf Clinic in Villa Park.

"More than ever it's a great time to be a Huskie and a part of our women's golf program," Clark said. "We have a tremendous group of student-athletes and it really is a great opportunity for me to not only work with them on many levels on a daily basis, but to help provide them with the world-class experience they deserve."

With Northern Illinois' commitment to producing not only great athletes, but great student-athletes, Coach Tyska agrees that Clark is an excellent addition to the program.

"Jen has a sincere desire for our student-athletes to achieve their goals on the course and in life. She guides and supports our players' development as leaders both on and off the course."