Former Middlebury men's and women's squash coach John Illig has been announced as the 2026 recipient of the College Squash Association (CSA) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented during the CSA Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, March 7 in Philadelphia in conjunction with the CSA National Team Championships.
 
Illig began his coaching tenure at Middlebury in the fall of 2007, taking over the women's varsity program and being tabbed as the first varsity coach for the men's team. He led the women to a 108-55 mark in his seven seasons. Illig was named the 2009 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Women's Squash Coach of the Year. Three years later, the squad earned the 2012 Women's College Squash Association (WCSA) Most Improved Team Award.
 
He guided the men's program to a 102-66 record and its first 20-win season (20-7) in 2009-10. The Panthers won the Summers Cup (C Division) title four times (2009, 2010, 2013, 2014) and were presented with the Sloane Award twice (2009, 2011) under his tutelage.
 
Illig commenced his coaching career at conference foe Colby, posting a 143-141 record over his five years. From 1996 to 2007, he led the Bates women to a 150-87 mark and three Kurtz Cup (B Division) titles.
 
In 2001, Illig took over as the men's coach for the Bobcats. He put forward a 93-43 record over six seasons. The 2003 squad also earned the Sloane Award for sportsmanship.
 
From a national standpoint, Illig was involved in both the Men's and Women's College Squash Associations. He served as president of the WCSA from 2001 through 2003 and worked to create equality between the organizations.
 
He succeeded Trinity coach Paul Assaiante as president of the MCSA in 2013. He helped lead CSA Strategic Review Sessions, laying the groundwork for generations to come. He also reinvigorated the MCSA leadership structure, bringing new coaches into Executive Committee positions.
 
Illig played varsity squash and tennis during his collegiate days. He enrolled at Trinity before transferring to the University of Rochester, where he graduated in 1986 with a degree in English Literature.
 
He passed away on August 3, 2014.
 
The three-person class will be inducted on Saturday, March 7, at The Study in Philadelphia. The evening follows the conclusion of the day's championship matches. The full list of honorees can be found here.