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By Matthew Wheaton, Wheat on the Prairie
GALESBURG — After four years at the helm, Daniella Irle stepped down as Knox College’s director of athletics last May.
Scott Sunderland, who has been employed at the institution since 1990, was named as the Prairie Fire’s interim director of athletics, and he will shed that title near the end of June.
However, Sunderland will continue his duties as associate director of athletics for sports medicine and performance, event and facility management and internal operations.
On Wednesday, Knox announced that Corey Goff has been hired as the latest director of athletics. For the past five years, he’s served as the Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Ransom Everglades School, which was founded in 1903 and is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 – 12 – located on two campuses – in Coconut Grove, Florida.
In this previous post, Goff managed over 70 interscholastic teams in 27 sports. He was also in charge of the recruitment and development of over 100 coaches and physical education teachers.
“I am beyond excited to be the new Director of Athletics at Knox College. I can’t wait to get started building partnerships across the community and working with our talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and staff,” Goff said. “Together, we’ll foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and holistic development for our student-athletes. I believe in the power of collegiate athletics to shape individuals’ character, cultivate resilience, and instill a sense of school spirit that unites and strengthens our community. Let’s go, Prairie Fire!”
A native of Pennsylvania, Goff earned a Master of Science degree in educational psychology from the University at Albany in New York. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and secondary education from Susquehanna University, which is a private liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. In his athletic career, Goff was a member of the varsity football and baseball teams, playing in NCAA playoffs in both sports.
Goff has also coached multiple collegiate sports teams. He served as head baseball coach for Muhlenberg College where he developed two NCAA All-Region athletes, eight All-Centennial Conference athletes, and a Conference Player of the Year. Prior to baseball, Goff served as Muhlenberg’s assistant football coach, where he helped develop four NCAA All-Americans, 35 All-Centennial Conference Players, and two Conference Offensive Players of the Year.
“Corey is the right leader at the right time for our athletics program here at Knox,” said C. Andrew McGadney, who is Knox’s president. “His commitment to health and wellness and his experience in leading competitive programs both as a coach and administrator positions him well to take Prairie Fire athletics to the next level.”