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West Central Reporter

Monday, November 25, 2024

Lia Biehl Lukkarinen announces retirement after nearly two decades at WIU

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Tom Buffington Graduate Assistant | Western Illinois University Leathernecks Website

Tom Buffington Graduate Assistant | Western Illinois University Leathernecks Website

After 19 seasons as head women's golf coach at Western Illinois University, and the last six as the head coach of both the men's and women's golf programs, Lia Biehl Lukkarinen has decided to retire.

"Thank you all for the warm retirement wishes," Biehl Lukkarinen said. "I have had an incredible journey at Western Illinois University. As you know, coaching isn't a 9-5 job - thank you to my family for allowing me the opportunity to coach, teach and learn for 19 years. They sacrificed a lot. Thank you to my parents for setting a great example of hard work and dedication."

Hired in 2005, Biehl Lukkarinen led the Leathernecks to 23 tournament victories and 89 top-five finishes. She has also coached several All-Conference Team members and Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-Scholar Student-Athletes during her tenure.

"Lia will be missed, there is no doubt," Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb said. "What she has meant as a veteran member of our staff; as a coach to the young women and men in our program; and her work at the Harry Mussatto Golf Course for the past 20 years will not easily be replaced."

In 2021, Biehl Lukkarinen was selected to the inaugural Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame.

In addition to her coaching tenure at WIU, Biehl Lukkarinen was also a decorated golfer. She was a four-year letter winner and team captain at the University of Illinois for the Fighting Illini and went on to spend two years on the Futures Tour as a tournament winner and top six on the money list. After success on the Futures Tour, she spent one full season as an exempt player on the LPGA Tour, playing in 20 events.

Biehl Lukkarinen is a long-time member of the PGA and LPGA and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science Degree in Sports Management from WIU.

"Thank you to my friends who always welcome me back in the huddle after I've been on the road," Biehl Lukkarinen added. "Thank you to my co-workers who seem to have enjoyed my brand of crazy. Thank you to all the Leatherneck golfers that I've had the pleasure of working with over the years. We truly do get the most special athletes who come and excel here.

"This has truly been a unique and rewarding experience and I'm forever grateful for WIU and Macomb. I will be a Leatherneck for life!"

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