CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Following two successful seasons under the leadership of John Bowler, known for taking the team to consecutive national championship games, Parkland is ushering in a new era with Jimmie Daly at the helm.
Daly steps up as head coach after spending two seasons contributing to the Cobras’ coaching staff. He assumes the position as Bowler moves on, marking Daly’s first opportunity to lead a team.
Eager to make the role his own, Daly draws from his experiences observing Bowler and other influential coaches. This venture represents a significant milestone in his coaching career.
“The most important thing is developing these young players into mature, responsible adults,” Daly remarked. “Beyond that, continuing Parkland’s storied tradition of success is crucial. With our resources, supportive administration, and overall school environment, we are well-equipped to compete at the highest level in our Division II JUCO.”
Daly is a graduate of UNLV, where he got his start as a student manager and then graduate assistant under (now Iowa State head coach) TJ Otzelberger and (now Illinois assistant) Kevin Kruger.
Ahead of his inaugural season, Daly is set to return the bulk of last season’s national championship roster.
“I plan on trying to go back to back,” he said. “All our returners are texting me back and forth and just saying, ‘Hey, coach, we’re ready to go.’”
Parkland defeated Ellsworth Community College in the NJCAA DII National Championship game, winning the program’s first national title in exactly 40 years.