Susan graduated from Illinois State University in the Spring of 1973. While she was student there she earned 4 varsity letters in fencing, and in her senior year was the Midwest Champion, and competed at the National Tournament. She also served as president of Women's Intercollegiate Sports while at ISU.

Susan started her teaching and coaching career at East High in 1973. That year she coached girl's tennis and basketball, and she was also named the assistant athletic director. This was the beginning of girl's sports competition in the Upstate Eight Conference, with a total of seven sports available for girls. Susan has coached girl's tennis for 34 years, 1973-2006, and was the varsity girl's basketball coach for 12 seasons, 1973-74 through 1983-84, and 1995-96. From 1985-86 through 1994-95, she was member of the basketball coaching staff as JV coach. Susan also was the girls' track coach for the 1975 season, and she about to begin her 2nd season as the assistant boy's tennis coach.

As varsity basketball coach, Susan compiled a record of 179-102. Her teams won five regional championships: 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984; two sectional titles: 1982 and 1984; and two super sectionals: 1982 and 1984. In addition, the 1981-82, 1982-83, and 1983-84 teams claimed the Upstate Eight Conference Championship. The 1981-82 team finished in 4th place at the 1982 State Tournament and compiled a record of 28-3. The 1983-84 team reached the Elite Eight and finished with a record of 29-1, still the best winning percentage of any East High basketball team. Susan was named the Beacon-News AA Girl's Basketball Coach of Year in both 1982 and 1984.

In tennis, Susan had two players advance to the State Tennis Meet, Tracy Forrestal in 1984, and Sara Marcoux in 2005. Susan also served two separate 3-year terms as a member of the IHSA State Tennis Advisory Board.

Susan completed her 30th and last year as Assistant Athletic Director in 2005. During that time she served 5 one-year terms as president of the Upstate Eight Girls' Sports Program.

She is retiring at the end of the 2006-07 school year after teaching physical education for 34 years. Throughout her career, Susan has been a tireless advocate for all athletes at East High and for girls' sports throughout the state of Illinois.

Susan and her husband Jim now live in Naperville. Their daughter, Chrissie, is a senior at Washington University in St. Louis.