Chambana Sun

Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced a contract extension for Petros Kyprianou, the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country. The extension is pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at their meeting on March 20. This new agreement extends Kyprianou's contract through the 2030-31 season, with an opportunity for an additional year based on performance.

"We are thrilled to create a long-term partnership with Petros Kyprianou as he continues to elevate the Illinois Track and Field and Cross Country programs," Whitman said. "When we hired Petros in 2022, we brought to Champaign-Urbana one of the top program builders in the sport, an intense competitor with infectious energy."

In his third season at Illinois, Kyprianou has revitalized the track and field program. He was named the 2024 Big Ten Indoor Coach of the Year and USTFCCCA Midwest Region Indoor Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, two individuals became NCAA champions, while 15 athletes earned first-team All-American honors.

"On a personal level, this new contract means the world to me and my family as we have been graciously welcomed in the famILLy," Kyprianou stated. "Illinois is truly a very special place where I wake up excited and motivated to get better every day."

Kyprianou's tenure includes coaching student-athletes to set numerous records. In year two, he led Illinois to its first Big Ten Women's Indoor Championship since 2013. Rose Yeboah achieved national champion status in high jump during this period.

The program saw significant success under Kyprianou's guidance, including multiple school records and national rankings for both men's and women's teams heading into upcoming championships.

During his first year at Illinois, Olivia Howell won an NCAA Indoor championship in the mile. The team achieved various milestones under his leadership.

Kyprianou expressed gratitude for his role: "My motto is always trust and respect equals loyalty... This journey has been fun, and I can't wait for what the future holds for us as we enter this new era in collegiate athletics!"