DANVILLE, Ill. - Amid her busy semester, Lia Biehl Lukkarinen received high props this week. The Western Illinois Director of Golf learned she had been selected to the inaugural Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame, announced by officials at the David S. Palmer Arena (Danville, Ill.) on Wednesday (March 31).

Over 50 athletes, coaches, teams, officials, and media figures constitute future inductees, ranging from eastern Illinois to western Indiana. The event is scheduled to occur in 2022.

"I feel honored to be nominated and selected," said Biehl Lukkarinen. "There is an amazing group of talent found within this class."

Attending Oakwood Township High School, Biehl Lukkarinen, a 1987 graduate, began to turn heads with her golfing skills. After winning her high school sectional championship and placing in the state's top 10 on multiple occasions, she then continued her career at the University of Illinois.

Biehl Lukkarinen became a two-time all-Big Ten performer for the Fighting Illini during the 1990 and '91 seasons. She also stood out in the classroom, placing as a three-time academic All-Big Ten honoree and a Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American scholar. Following her collegiate tenure, she competed on the Futures Tour, now known as the Symetra Tour. Biehl Lukkarinen played a full season in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), participating in the 1994 Women's U.S. Open.

Overseeing the Leathernecks' men and women's golf teams in her 16th year on campus, Biehl Lukkarinen is currently preparing both groups for the 48th Beu Mussatto Invitational. The annual event is set to take place in Macomb, at the Harry Mussatto Golf Course, in the next few days (Apr. 4-5).