Francine Dilay - CHEER Coach - DePaul University Athletics

Francine Dilay

Title:
Cheer Coach
Email:
fgutier5@depaul.edu

Francine Dilay is currently the Head Cheerleading coach at DePaul, a role she has held since 2023. Under her leadership, the team achieved a top 10 finish at the 2024 NCA College Nationals Championships in Daytona, securing 9th place overall.

With more than 10 seasons of experience as a head coach in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and four in the collegiate world, Francine most recently served as the head coach at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and served as the Interim Head Coach/Assistant Coach for Northwestern University during the 2021-2022 season.

Francine cheered at Northern Illinois University before transferring to DePaul University, where she earned her degree in PR and Advertising. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, she works in Brand Marketing in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry here in Chicago.

Throughout her coaching career, Francine has led teams to competitive success and has achieved two IHSA State Finals qualifications, including making history at Niles West High School by leading the team to its first-ever State qualification and its first-ever Central Suburban League Conference Championship title. She is proud to have coached 10 athletes who have gone on to cheer at the collegiate level.

Francine is also USA Cheer/NFHS Cheer Safety Certified and remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for all her athletes. A proud wife and mother, she balances her family life with her passion for coaching and developing young athletes and has the privilege to share her passion with her family and friends.