CHICAGO (July 20, 2021) – Loyola University Chicago Director of Athletics Steve Watson announced on Tuesday that Gavin Kennedy has been named Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.  A 13-year coaching veteran, Kennedy has spent the past eight seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin.
 
"Gavin is a proven winner and has experienced success at each of his stops during his career, recruiting and developing numerous conference and NCAA champions, as well as All-Americans," Watson said.  "We are confident he will continue to build on Loyola's storied history in the sports of cross country and track and field and couldn't be more excited to welcome him, his wife, Taylor, and their son, Dylan, to the Loyola family."
 
"My family and I would like to thank Steve Watson, (Deputy Director of Athletics) Holly Strauss-O'Brien, and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead Loyola's Track & Field and Cross Country programs," Kennedy commented.  "I'm grateful to Mick Byrne for his mentorship throughout my coaching career, especially the last eight years at the University of Wisconsin.  Loyola University, the track program, and the city of Chicago are near and dear to my heart and I am excited to be back in Rogers Park.  I look forward to working with the student-athletes, coaching staff, administration, and alumni in leading this program to continued success."
 
During his time with the Badgers, Kennedy has helped guide his athletes to unprecedented success, aiding in the development of seven NCAA champions, 31 United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Americans, and 24 Big Ten Conference champions.  He's been an invaluable piece of the coaching staff that has led the Badgers to eight Big Ten titles across an eight-year span and five top-10 finishes at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
 
Prior to a one-year stint as an assistant coach at the University of Mississippi in 2012-13, Kennedy was the head men's cross country coach at the University of Illinois, where he led a pair of athletes to the NCAA Championships, marking only the second time in program history the Illini were represented at the national meet.  He also guided athletes to the NCAA West Preliminary and NCAA Outdoor Championships.
 
Kennedy cut his teeth in the coaching ranks at Iona College, where he served as an assistant coach for two seasons before being promoted to the role of associate head coach ahead of the 2010-11 campaign.  He helped pilot the Gaels to a runner-up finish at the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships and captured six Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) crowns during his three-year stay.  Kennedy mentored 11 All-Americans and a staggering 47 MAAC champions, highlighted by two-time NCAA champion Leonard Korir.
 
A former standout during his time at DePaul University, Kennedy earned all-conference honors during each of his four years in Lincoln Park.  He shattered program records in both the mile run and 1,500m run, while also receiving recognition for his work in the classroom, receiving all-academic nods as both a junior and senior.
 
Kennedy, a native of Waterford, Ireland, is a certified Level 1 Coach by the USA Track & Field (USATF) and also owns USTFCCCA certification as an Endurance Coach.
 
A 2006 graduate of DePaul, Kennedy and his wife, Taylor, are parents to a son, Dylan.