Associate Director of Athletics, Strength & Condit, University of Illinois
Veteran Strength coach Jim Zielinski begins his 25th season as the Associate Director of Athletics, Strength & Conditioning for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Illinois, marking over 35 years experience with Division 1 programs. In 2002 Jim was named a Master Strength Coach, The highest honor that can be achieved as a strength and conditioning coach--representing professionalism, knowledge, experience, expertise, as well as longevity in the field.
A 33-year veteran of the business, Jim joined the University of Illinois after stints at Oregon State University (1995-1999), Northern Illinois University (1988- 1995), University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1987-1988), and Northern Illinois University (1986-1987).
The Illinois football program finished the 2001 regular season with a 10-1 record and the Big Ten Championship. Wrestling earned a Big Ten Championship in 2005 under his supervision. The men's basketball program finished with a share of the Big Ten title and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. This is the third consecutive year Illinois has been in the NCAA Tournament, all with Top 4 seeds. He currently oversees all of the Olympic Sport Programs at the University of Illinois.
During his time at Oregon State, Jim was responsible for the program design, speed and strength development for all 14 Division I sports.
From 1988-1995, Jim was the head strength and conditioning coordinator for the Northern Illinois Huskies' 16 sport programs. During his six and a half years at NIU, Jim implemented the program design and monitored the athlete's daily progress.
Jim began his coaching career at Northern Illinois University as a student assistant strength coach in 1986-1987 and as a Volunteer Strength Coach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 1987-1988. He is also certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Jim and his wife, Teresa, have five children, James, Alexandra, Zachary ,Christopher and Patrick.
