Downers Grove North Names New Athena Head Coach

Editor's note: The following is a press release from  

Starting with the 2012 fall season, Jennifer Isaacson will serve as the new head coach for the North High Athenas dance team. Isaacson replaces Toni Royster, who will retire after 17 years of coaching.

Isaacson has 25 years of dance training and for 10 years has instructed students of all ages in jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, pom and lyrical styles. She has performed as a dancer with a professional dance team, serving as both a captain and choreographer. While performing as a dancer, she received a degree in elementary education from North Central College in Naperville.

Isaacson has coached the junior varsity Athenas since 2007, receiving numerous first and second place trophies in dance competitions. She has also coached varsity poms at Rolling Meadows High School, where her team placed first in state.
Isaacson is a native of Downers Grove. She graduated from North High School in 2002 and is also an alumni member of the North High Athenas. She and her husband David live in Downers Grove with their one-year-old daughter, Evianna.

“I’m proud to have been part of the Athenas dance program, and am now excited about the opportunity to continue on as head coach,” says Isaacson. “I am looking forward to continuing to share my passion for dance.”

“Given her extensive experience in coaching and professional dancing, we are confident that Jennifer will be an outstanding new leader for our team,” says North High Athletic Director Denise Kavanaugh. “She also understands all facets of the Athenas program, from both a dancer and coach perspective."