The Ties & Tennies Gala (T&T) is excited to welcome Illinois Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Tyler Underwood as the guest speaker. In his role, Tyler assisted the 2025-26 team in their run to the Final Four. Tyler will share insights from his time with the Fighting Illini and the importance of recreation programs for the development of future athletes.
The Ties & Tennies Gala, which raises money for scholarships for youth and adults to access Champaign Park District activities, raised a record $160,000 last year and is on track to do the same in 2026. It will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5-9pm at the I Hotel. Once again, local news anchor Jennifer Roscoe will serve as emcee, Mike Namoff will lead the live auction, and Maggie Baker Productions will provide the music.
“For three years, Ties & Tennies has been essential in funding Park District and Special Recreation scholarships,” said Amy Roady, Champaign Parks Foundation Chair. “We are thankful to everyone who attends the event and helps contribute to accessible recreation in our community.”
“Recreation is an important part of individual and community wellness,” said Sarah Sandquist, Executive Director of Champaign Park District. “The Gala has become a cherished resource for the growth of our scholarship program to ensure everyone in our community can access recreation.”
Tickets to the 2026 Gala include a plated dinner, complimentary wine and beer, and access to the silent and live auctions, and can be purchased at: https://onecau.se/tiesandtennies26
2026 Ties & Tennies Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors:
Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend
GHR Engineers
The Ryle Family
Gold Sponsors:
CIBM
Dodds Co.
Farnsworth Group
Fisher National Bank
Pepsi-Cola Champaign-Urbana Bottling Co
Petry-Kuhne Co
Tyler Underwood
Tyler Underwood is in his third season as assistant coach after being elevated to the role on July 1, 2023. Among his many coaching duties, he serves as Illini offensive coordinator.
This is Underwood’s fifth year overall on the Fighting Illini staff after spending his first two seasons as director of recruiting and scouting.
Illinois won the Big Ten championship during Underwood’s first season on staff, going 23-10 overall and 15-5 in conference play to win the program’s first regular-season title since 2005. The Illini won 20 games in his second year, advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
Illinois won the Big Ten Tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2024, its best NCAA Tournament finish in the 19 years. The Illini finished with 29 wins, marking the third-most in school history, and end the year ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll. Illinois had its most efficient offense of the KenPom era, ranking third nationally.
The Illini won 22 games in 2025 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 behind another outstanding offense, ranking 14th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Underwood had a six-year college basketball career, which included his last four at Illinois. He appeared in 40 career games over three seasons with the Illini.
Underwood was part of the resurgence of Illini Basketball that saw the program win 21 games in an abbreviated 2020 season and finish the year ranked No. 21 nationally. He then helped Illinois to one of the best seasons in school history in 2021 that featured a Big Ten Tournament championship, NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed, and No. 2 ranking in the final AP poll.
Underwood’s last two seasons on the roster aligned with the second-winningest two-year Big Ten run in school history, as the Illini combined for 29 conference wins from 2020 to 2021.
Underwood was part of three NCAA Tournament teams during his career: 2016 at Stephen F. Austin, 2017 at Oklahoma State, and 2021 at Illinois. A fourth NCAA appearance in 2020 was precluded by the cancellation of the postseason due to COVID-19.
Underwood received three degrees from the University of Illinois, a bachelor’s in sociology in 2019, a master’s in recreation, sport and tourism in 2020, and a master’s in management from the Gies College of Business in 2021.
Underwood was recently married to Katie Sloniger.
Champaign Park District Scholarship Program
The Champaign Park District Scholarship Program is designed to provide families with the opportunity to get involved in fun, safe, quality programs that they may not be able to afford without assistance. These activities help provide residents with the ability to improve their physical health, to engage with peers of all abilities, grow self-confidence, strengthen their creativity, develop social relationships, strengthen their appreciation for the outdoors, and improve their technical skills and abilities.
Learn more: https://champaignparks.org/scholarship-opportunities/
Champaign Parks Foundation
At the Champaign Parks Foundation, we’re the official sponsor of childhood memories and the keepers of quality indoor and outdoor leisure spaces. We strive to be promoters of play, guardians of green spaces, and advocates for the arts, empowering youth, adults, and seniors to access diverse recreation opportunities. With an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community, we bolster the places and programs that increase health and vitality for all. In a world full of disposables, we endeavor to leave something permanent and purposeful.
Learn more: https://champaignparks.org/about-us/foundation/
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chelsea Norton
Director of Marketing & Development
Champaign Park District
217-819-3934
Chelsea.norton@champaignparks.org
