​Illinois assistant coach and offensive coordinator Tyler Underwood is slated to be the guest speaker at the Ties & Tennies Gala on September 10, to be held at the iHotel & Conference Center. The event benefits Champaign Park District scholarships, supporting both youth and adults in gaining access to a wide range of Park District activities. The gala will feature former WCIQ anchor Jennifer Roscoe as emcee, continuing a successful tradition as the event collects donations and raises crucial funds; last year’s gala set a new fundraising record by bringing in $160,000. Mike Namoff will oversee the live auction, ensuring an engaging and competitive bidding experience for attendees.
In remarks accompanying the event announcement, Champaign Parks Foundation Chair Amy Roady emphasized the long-standing impact of Ties & Tennies. “For three years, Ties & Tennies has been essential in funding Park District and Special Recreation scholarships,” Roady said. “We are grateful to everyone who attends the event and helps contribute to accessible recreation in our community.” Sarah Sandquist, Executive Director of the Champaign Park District, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the fundraiser’s role in advancing community wellness through recreation. “Recreation is an important part of individual and community wellness,” Sandquist noted. “The Gala has become a cherished resource for expanding our scholarship program to ensure everyone in our community can access recreation.” The evening includes a plated dinner, complimentary wine and beer, and access to both silent and live auctions.
Underwood is in his fourth season as a member of the Illinois coaching staff after taking on the offensive coordinator role in July 2023. A former guard at Stephen F. Austin, Oklahoma State, and Illinois, Underwood began his post-playing career with the Illini by serving two years as director of recruiting and scouting in a staff position. In his current role, he oversees the Illini’s offense, contributing to a historically potent attack that has positioned Illinois among the nation’s elite.
Under Underwood’s leadership, Illinois has demonstrated offensive excellence on a national scale. The Illini showcased the No. 2 offense in the country during their run to the 2026 Final Four and consistently ranked in the top 15 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency throughout his tenure as offensive coordinator. The program’s performance has remained strong, including a 14th-place ranking in 2024-25 and a fourth-place finish in 2023-24 during their Elite Eight campaign, underscoring the sustained effectiveness of Illinois’ offensive system. The Ties & Tennies Gala provides a unique platform for Underwood to share insights on football strategy, leadership, and teamwork, while also supporting a vital community initiative that expands access to recreation for individuals of all ages and abilities in Champaign.
As preparations continue for the September 10 event, attendees can look forward to a memorable evening featuring Underwood’s guest address, a climate of philanthropy that supports scholarships across youth and adult programming, and the opportunity to engage with fellow supporters during the silent and live auctions. The Gala promises to be a meaningful blend of inspiration, education, and fundraising, highlighting how athletic excellence and community development can intersect to promote wellness, accessibility, and opportunity for residents throughout Champaign.