Erin Navolio graduated from Knox College in 2010 and was a four year member of the women's basketball team. During her athletic career at Knox, Navolio earned several honors. She was named Midwest Conference Player of the Week as a sophomore, she was also spotlighted as Prairie Fire Performer of the Week three times throughout her career. During her junior year, she was selected for the All-Conference Second Team and was named one of the captains for her senior season. Navolio played in all 23 games her senior year and averaged 7.5 points per game that season. During her senior year, the women's basketball team game record was 10-13, which was the team's best win record since the 2001-02 season. Coach Emily Cline remembers Navolio well. "I was fortunate to be able to coach Erin for two seasons. Erin was a very talented player, she could shoot, score and defend. She created a lot of match-up problems for other teams because she was a guard with a post player's height. Erin was named All-Conference her Junior year and that was a well-deserved honor. Erin was a lot of fun and kept me on my toes with her great sense of humor and sarcasm. I really enjoyed coaching Erin because she was a great player and person".
Navolio is now both a teacher and a coach. She teaches at an elementary school in La Grange, IL and coaches high school girls' basketball at her alma mater, Hinsdale Central High School, located in Hinsdale, IL.
Can you describe your experience as a Knox Student Athlete?
It was a great experience to work and travel with the team We were a very close-knit group throughout the four years. Some of my best friends today are former teammates. The program for all sports teams at Knox was to make academics the first priority. Despite the time commitment necessary for participating on a team, the schedule always allowed ample time for academic studies.
What did you major in and how did Knox prepare you for the future?
My major was in Elementary Education. My education professors and advisor challenged me to think outside the box, be creative and work beyond what I think I am capable of doing. Because basketball did require a great deal of time, I learned to be disciplined and organized so that I could meet all academic and athletic requirements. I am currently a first grade teacher in LaGrange, IL. In addition, I coach varsity girls' basketball at my high school alma mater, Hinsdale Central. Because my winter schedule is very hectic, I continue to use those skills on a daily basis to keep myself on track in both areas of my life..
Favorite Knox memory.
I am very proud of the progress the women's basketball program made in my four years. We worked hard and earned a respectable place in the Midwest Conference. One of my favorite memories is during my senior year, we beat Carroll College for the first time since 1997. Personally, I was very proud to be named to the Midwest Conference All Conference Team.
