Carolyn Cronin of Mount Prospect, Illinois, began coaching Special Olympics soccer in 2008. After her two-year internship with Special Olympics Wisconsin, she began working full-time for Special Olympics Illinois, where her current role is director of coach and health services. She will represent Special Olympics USA as a sport manager. Also serving in a support or management role, Carolyn has attended three Special Olympics USA Games and three Special Olympics World Games.
Her parents are her greatest source of admiration, which has grown since becoming a parent to her son Max. Spending time with family and her dogs, reading, baking and traveling are among her favorite pastimes. In 2014, she ran the Chicago Marathon. Experienced in competition, she is looking forward to watching athletes compete and excel on an international sports stage.