CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois graduate Natalie Woch returned to Illinois as the football program's Director of Recruiting Operations, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Woch rejoins the Illini from Oklahoma, where she served as the Sooners' On-Campus Recruiting Coordinator in 2024.
"Natalie is an alumni and former student worker for us that knows so much about life here at Illinois," said Bielema. "She left after graduation for a great opportunity at Oklahoma and is now back in a new role. She will provide an invaluable perspective in recruiting and retention."
"I am extremely blessed for the opportunity to come back home and be back with the Illini famILLy," said Woch. "Thank you to Coach Bielema and Patrick Embleton for believing in me and giving me the chance to return to a place that means so much to me. There is something special building here and I'm grateful to be a part of it."
Woch was a student recruiting assistant for the Fighting Illini football program for three seasons. She served as a team lead, where she assisted in management of over 25 student recruiting assistants during recruiting events and supported the director of recruiting with the preparation for official and unofficial visits.
At Oklahoma, Woch planned and executed official and unofficial visits, game day recruiting programming, junior days, and other special events, helping Oklahoma post the No. 8 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports. Woch also assisted with operations of signees' initial eligibility with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Woch earned her bachelor's degree in sports management with a minor in public relations from the University of Illinois in 2024.
"Natalie is an alumni and former student worker for us that knows so much about life here at Illinois," said Bielema. "She left after graduation for a great opportunity at Oklahoma and is now back in a new role. She will provide an invaluable perspective in recruiting and retention."
"I am extremely blessed for the opportunity to come back home and be back with the Illini famILLy," said Woch. "Thank you to Coach Bielema and Patrick Embleton for believing in me and giving me the chance to return to a place that means so much to me. There is something special building here and I'm grateful to be a part of it."
Woch was a student recruiting assistant for the Fighting Illini football program for three seasons. She served as a team lead, where she assisted in management of over 25 student recruiting assistants during recruiting events and supported the director of recruiting with the preparation for official and unofficial visits.
At Oklahoma, Woch planned and executed official and unofficial visits, game day recruiting programming, junior days, and other special events, helping Oklahoma post the No. 8 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports. Woch also assisted with operations of signees' initial eligibility with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Woch earned her bachelor's degree in sports management with a minor in public relations from the University of Illinois in 2024.
Career
| Years | University | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Illinois | Director of Recruiting Operations |
| 2024 | Oklahoma | On-Campus Recruiting Coordinator |
