April DiGiannantonio is in the second year of her second tenure at UIC, bringing a wealth of experience that includes more than a decade of work in the private sector and collegiate athletics. Through her unwavering commitment to continuing education, DiGiannantonio pursued an exercise science degree that ultimately sparked her desire to sell her gyms in Denver, Colorado, and begin her journey in collegiate athletics.
She honed her skills through programs at institutions including Denver, Clemson, Texas A&M, UIC and UCF. In the fall of 2024, DiGiannantonio returned to UIC to work with the Flames' track & field, cross country, women’s soccer, and women's golf programs. In the summer of 2025, she was promoted to head sports performance coach for UIC Athletics, overseeing the women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and women’s golf teams.
DiGiannantonio is deeply passionate about the student-athlete experience, recognizing it as a pivotal time in a young person’s life. Her commitment to serving, positively influencing, and connecting with others is as strong as her love for sports and fitness. The opportunity to merge these two passions as a strength and conditioning professional has proven to be her calling.
DiGiannantonio's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that resilience, both physical and mental, is key to a student-athlete's success. She instills this resilience by promoting correct and efficient movement, and by encouraging her athletes to strive for their goals. She values open communication with coaches, administration, and team members, which is crucial in fostering a supportive environment. Above all, DiGiannantonio's top priorities are her student-athletes’ health, well-being, and resilience.
