MACOMB, IL. - Western Illinois University Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Katie Fare as Assistant Track & Field Coach. Fare will oversee the throws program while contributing to the continued development and success of the Leatherneck track & field program.
Fare joins the Leathernecks after serving as a Volunteer Assistant Throws Coach and Volunteer Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Northern Iowa. During her time with the Panthers, she helped guide one of the Missouri Valley Conference's top programs, including the men's team to the 2026 MVC Indoor Championship and both the men's and women's teams to runner-up finishes at the 2026 MVC Outdoor Championships.
Working directly with UNI's throws group, Fare helped coach athletes to five all-time Top-10 performances, a freshman school record, an MVC individual champion, an MVC runner-up finish, and multiple conference podium finishes. During the 2026 MVC Indoor Championships, the Panthers' throws group totaled 43 conference points, eight podium finishes, and eight conference scorers.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities with the throws group, Fare served as the volunteer head strength coach for Northern Iowa's track & field program, overseeing strength and conditioning for more than 110 student-athletes. She designed event-specific training programs, coordinated weekly lifting schedules, and collaborated closely with sport coaches to help athletes achieve three school records, five freshman records, 40 All-MVC honors, eight conference championships, and NCAA All-America recognition.
Before transitioning into coaching, Fare built an impressive collegiate career as one of Northern Iowa's most accomplished throwers. She was a three-time NCAA West Regional qualifier, placed fifth nationally at the 2024 USATF Indoor Championships, won multiple Missouri Valley Conference shot put titles, earned the MVC Most Outstanding Performance Award, and established the UNI indoor school record in the women's shot put with a mark of 17.24 meters (56-6¾).
Fare earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with minors in Coaching and Strength & Conditioning and her master's degree in Kinesiology and Sport Performance from the University of Northern Iowa. Her experience as both a collegiate athlete and coach provides a strong foundation in technical event instruction, strength programming, and student-athlete development.
"We're excited to welcome Katie to our coaching staff," said Head Coach Matt Rosado. "Katie brings tremendous energy, technical knowledge, and a passion for developing student-athletes. Having recently competed at a high level herself while also contributing to a championship-caliber program as both a throws coach and strength coach, she understands what it takes to help athletes reach their full potential. We're thrilled to have her join our program and look forward to the impact she'll make on our student-athletes both on and off the field."
Fare will work with the program's throwers while assisting with recruiting, athlete development, meet preparation, and the continued growth of the Leatherneck track & field program.
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