Dear SXU Community:
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Coach Bob Hallberg, who passed away on November 19 surrounded by his loved ones.
For 49 seasons, Coach Hallberg led an incredible coaching career that inspired hundreds of students across Chicagoland to pursue excellence in athletics and academics. He retired from SXU as athletic director and women’s basketball coach in February 2019, having led the team since 2000.
Coach Hallberg claimed his 500th career victory at SXU just before his retirement last winter. He has been inducted into the hall of fames at SXU, Leo High School, the University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago Catholic League, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA), Chicagoland Sports and Chicago State University. The IBCA honored Coach Hallberg in 2018 as the fourth coach in Illinois basketball history to achieve more than 1,000 overall career coaching victories.
I had the great pleasure of witnessing firsthand Bob’s rapport with his players and their families. He was a man of immense knowledge and wit, who had an uncanny ability to help his athletes cultivate a deep sense of character within themselves. Though his career spans a number of institutions, his heart was at Saint Xavier — aside from his time as athletic director, Bob also served stints as men’s basketball coach, baseball coach, associate dean of students, counselor, physical education teacher and campus security.
Saint Xavier is a better place because of his unwavering dedication to his athletes and his craft. I ask that you keep the Hallberg family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Details on services will be shared on the mySXU portal as they become available.
Sincerely,
Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D.
President