A native of Monticello and a graduate of Monticello High School, Mike Koon always knew he has wanted to go into communications. At an early age, Mike published weekly updates on Monticello Little League and was known as the kid who roamed the sidelines doing “play-by-play” into his portable tape recorder and in high school as a play-by-play voice for the Sages’ football and basketball teams. Those passions intertwined between a host of extracurricular activities from marching band to Scholastic Bowl.

Mike took those pursuits to North Central College where he was on-air personality for North Central’s nationally-acclaimed radio station, WONC, and a writer/editor for the school newspaper. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communications/broadcasting and was named the College’s most outstanding journalism student. Mike was the college’s sports information director/assistant public information director from 1993-98 and was honored with the Dissinger Award for Administrative Managers in 1995 as the college’s staff person of the year.

For the past 20 years, Mike has applied his passion for communication at the University of Illinois, the last six years as marketing and communications coordinator for the University of Illinois College of Engineering, In that role, Mike helps publicize the stories and accolades from the fifth-ranked engineering school in the nation and hosts the Illinois Innovators podcast.

Prior to that, Mike had a 14-year run as a member of the Fighting Illini sports information office, where he was the publicist for U of I women’s basketball, men’s golf, volleyball, softball, and women’s soccer and was regularly recognized for his publications and writing.

Many Monticello residents will recognize Mike’s voice from Illini sporting events. A 20-year veteran broadcast analyst for Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball, he gives his insights for one the top up-and-coming coaches and programs in the sport. Mike continues to also serve as a public address announcer for a variety of Illini sports, including  football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and softball.

Beyond his profession, Mike is actively involved in the community through a variety of volunteer positions. He has been a mentor in the CU 1-to-1 mentor program for more than 12 years. He served on the Community Facility Advisory Committee, a working committee appointed by the Monticello School Board. He has been a member of the Monticello Summer Singers for the past six years.

Mike is an avid IndyCar enthusiast and has attended the last 27 Indianapolis 500 races. On most Friday nights, you’ll likely find him at a Monticello sporting event.

Mike is married to Samantha, an entrepreneur and marketing professional. Samantha owns and manages the Greenhouse Cafe at Allerton Park. Together, Mike and Samantha own and operate the Zybell House bed and breakfast in downtown Monticello. Mike, Samantha, and their daughter Stella live in one of Monticello’s historic homes and consider themselves lucky to call this town home.