UI extends contract of Athletics Director Beth Goetz

The University of Iowa has extended the contract of Athletics Director Beth Goetz through Jan. 31, 2032, providing continuity in the leadership of Hawkeye athletics as the college sports landscape continues to shift.

Goetz, who holds the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair, was named Iowa's athletics director in January 2024. She oversees 22 sports and a department that has achieved broad competitive success during her tenure.

"Beth is an exceptional leader who understands that success at Iowa begins with our student-athletes and extends to our coaches, staff, fans, and the entire Hawkeye community," says UI President Barbara Wilson. "She has brought vision and integrity to this role, and just as importantly, she understands what makes Iowa unique. Beth has built tremendous trust across our university and throughout Hawkeye Nation, and I am very happy that she will continue to lead our athletics program."

A historic 2025-26 year

The extension follows the most successful year in the department's recent history during 2025-26. Iowa celebrated four NCAA individual national championships, three Big Ten championships, 29 All-Americans, and had nine programs finish the season ranked among the nation's Top 25.

Men's basketball advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in 39 years. Men's wrestling finished fourth nationally and women's wrestling was the national runner-up. Women's basketball and women's soccer each advanced to the Round of 32 in NCAA competition. Iowa was one of only two schools in the country to win a bowl game and finish ranked in the top 20 of the AP polls in football, men's basketball, and women's basketball. In addition, athletics generated a record $103.7 million in athletic fundraising.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Hawkeyes and our student-athletes, and thankful to President Wilson and our leadership for their trust," says Goetz. "I'm fortunate to be surrounded by coaches and staff who care deeply about Iowa and a fan base that makes this place so special. We are proud of the tradition we carry forward, excited about where we are headed, and I truly believe our best days are ahead."

Hawkeye student-athletes matched that competitive success with continued excellence in the classroom. Four earned Academic All-America honors and 271 received Academic All-Big Ten recognition. Iowa student-athletes posted an average GPA of 3.29, marking the 11th consecutive year with an average GPA higher than 3.0, while achieving an 89% Graduation Success Rate.

Goetz joined Iowa in September 2022 as deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer. She became interim athletics director in August 2023 and was selected as Iowa's 13th athletics director after a national search in January 2024.