Hall of Fame

Induction Year: 2017

Jane Caliendo did it all. From varsity athletics at the high school level to collegiate victories at the University of Illinois, Jane has left her mark across the athletic sphere. During her time at Sandburg, she participated in basketball, swimming, and track, receiving four varsity awards for each sport. After she graduated from Sandburg, she attended University of Illinois, where she excelled as both a student and an athlete. As captain of the Illini swim team, she was a natural leader.

After completing her undergraduate degree work, Jane returned to Sandburg, where she used her leadership and dedication to encourage young athletes. She served as a PE teacher and swimming/water polo coach for 22 years. She earned the title IHSA Coach of the Year six times for swimming and three times for water polo. In 2017, she was inducted into the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame.

Besides Sandburg, Jane also spent a lot of time helping selflessly in the community. Whether she was volunteering to help the sick through St. Michael’s Church or taking her team to a yearly fishing derby to help the handicapped, Jane was an active civic leader.

Jane truly dedicated her life to Sandburg and the community as an alumni, teacher, coach, and role model. She worked hard to create, within Sandburg, the feeling of safety and the drive to work hard to achieve goals. She constantly pushed everyone to be the best they can be by seeing the good in each and every one of them. Sandburg’s pool, rededicated as The Jane Caliendo Aquatic Center, is a space that emphasizes Jane’s Warrior spirit and attitude.