Since arriving at Knox College in the summer of 2013, Miriam Skrade has served as head Prairie Fire men’s and women’s tennis coach, successfully leading a men’s team comprised of players from six different countries and a women’s team from six different states.
During her first year, four players on the men’s tennis team advanced to the semi-finals of the conference tournament. One semi-finalist at #1 doubles, Karl Ruzgas, said: “Coach Skrade provides positivity and camaraderie for the team on and off the court. Whether we have bad days or good she always pushes us to succeed, particularly when we might lack the faith in ourselves.”
Skrade, who has a master’s degree in kinesiology, promotes fitness, wellness, and motivation among her players and also the community. In April, 2014, Skrade worked collaboratively with Knox Associate Professor of Music Sarah Day-O’Connell to secure a non-profit grant from Reebok. The grant supports the Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS) program, under which members of Skrade’s men’s and women’s teams work three mornings a week before school with schoolchildren at Gale Elementary School to promote health and fitness.
“Participating in BOKS allows me the opportunity to impact the Galesburg community and create positive change,” said first-year player, Miranda Corbett. “With Coach Miriam’s encouragement, we’ve been able to help these children. I really love bonding with the kids and sharing the experience with my teammates.”
Skrade is promoting wellness on campus through her role as the intramural sports co-director and being on the President's Council for Sustainability. In the summer, Skrade teaches and promotes tennis as a life-long activity to elite high school players and QuickStart youth players.
Prior to arriving at Knox, Skrade was the head boys’ tennis coach at Ames High School (IA) for four years. Under her leadership, the team went to the state finals three times from 2010-2012, winning the state championship in 2011. She was named the Central Iowa Tennis Alliance (CITA) High School Coach of the Year in 2013, and the conference coach of the year in 2011 and 2012. She also served as an assistant women’s tennis coach at her alma mater, Luther College, in 2004-05 and in 2011 and 2012. She was also the Director of Junior Tennis for the Ames Tennis Academy 2006-2010, teaching players of all ages from elite to novice.
In college, Skrade played #1 doubles for three years at NCAA Division III Luther College, and #1 singles as a junior and senior. She helped the Norse win conference championships in 2000, 2002, and 2003 and advance to the national tournament. Skrade also achieved success in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-Iowa Conference honors three times.
