Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Ben McNeilly joined the Eastern Illinois Athletic Training Staff in late July 2025.  He will provide primary sport coverage for EIU men’s basketball and men’s soccer.  

McNeilly comes to EIU after attending Grand Valley State University where he earned his bachelor’s (Clinical Exercise Science) and master’s (Athletic Training) degrees.  He completed worked at Calvin University as part of an Immersive & Internship experience during 2024-25.  His primary focus was assisting with the men’s and women’s basketball programs. 

McNeilly has additional experience working with I’Move Physical Therapy and as a nursing technician with Corwell Health, Butterworth and Blodgett Hospitals in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He has additional athletic training experiences working at both Rockford (Mich.) and Kenowa Hills High Schools.