Jim Zielinski

Veteran Strength coach Jim Zielinski begins his fourth season as the head strength and conditioning coordinator for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Illinois, marking over 10 years experience with Division 1 programs.

A 14-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. 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.

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 four children, James, Alexandra, Zachary and Christopher.