THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon, and welcome. Appreciate your coverage of Hawkeye athletics and everyone making it here safely today.
The format will be some opening comments and an introduction from President Wilson. Beth Goetz will then have an opening statement followed by some Q & A.
At this time I’d like to welcome to the podium University of Iowa president Barbara Wilson.
BARBARA WILSON: Thank you for being here. We’re delighted that you’re here, especially all these student-athletes. Wow, amazing that you turned out for today. I’m really delighted, and I see several of our coaches out there, too.
I’m going to publicly introduce what you already know. It’s old news now in some ways, but we’re going to keep celebrating as much as we can. I’m delighted to introduce the University of Iowa’s DIrector of Athletics, Beth Goetz, who will now hold the Henry B. And Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair.
As many of you know, Beth is a tremendous leader who will take athletics to the next level, to the next stage here at the University of Iowa. I know it. I think you know it. We’re really excited to see where we go.
As you know, we had a national search. Many people asked me why would you hold a national search when you have a crown jewel sitting right here, and my answer was a search substantiates that she’s the right person, and that’s what happened. She went through a very vigorous and competitive search process, and we had a great search committee, and it was a tremendous amount of support for Beth in this position.
I thought I’d share with you just one of many references that we collected about Beth. Someone else said, “Beth is one of the smartest in the business, but she balances that with a high-humility, low-ego approach to her job. She has served in just about every capacity that you can in an athletics department. In addition, she has served on numerous local and national committees, has conducted numerous high-level coaches searching and has engaged in fundraising for multiple major campaigns. She is pressure tested and has always led with integrity and with vision. Leaders around the country will run to Iowa to work with and for her.”
I couldn’t have said it better.
As you know, collegiate athletics is at in some ways a point of multiple transitions. We’re seeing a lot of issues nationally, across the country, across the state even in Iowa, and we need a leader who’s going to take us forward into the next era and a leader who is super focused on student-athletes, and that’s what I’m excited about, and the coaches and the staff here.
The other thing I will say is Beth is also really focused on the academic enterprise. We never want to forget the collegiate athletics is at its best when it’s part of the academic institutions that we all work for and live in and support.
It’s my delight and honor to welcome Beth Goetz as our new director of athletics.
BETH GOETZ: Well, thank you, President Wilson, for your kind words and for this incredible opportunity and the confidence that you have in me. In your leadership, I’ll have a daily example of what it means to build community, embrace a bold vision, and work with a relentless commitment to success. I look forward to working in partnership with you, the Board of Regents, the cabinet and all of our campus leaders to serve and support the mission of this institution.
I am so honored, truly humbled, to be the Henry B. And Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair at the University of Iowa.
To the search committee, the chair Nicole Grosland, I’m grateful for your efforts and time throughout this process.
While I’m been on campus for about 16 months and recognize there is still much to learn, it took me about 10 minutes to figure out how truly special being a Hawkeye really is.
To our student-athletes, our alums, coaches, staff, campus partners and passionate fan base, thank you for opening your arms to me. The great tradition, current success and future accomplishments belong to each of you, and I will steward that responsibility with an unyielding effort and great pride.
University of Iowa is a world-class institution. The Big Ten is the best conference in the country, and we have an amazingly talented team.
Before I move on with the rest of my remarks, I’ll ask a little patience as I say a few more thank yous to those who have been so important to me through my journey. I’ve been blessed with many championships in my life, and with each step they have been by my side. My family has shared in every win and loss with me as a student-athlete, a coach and an administrator through countless games, and yes, I know you all still draw straws about who has to call me after a loss. They think I’m a little competitive and not so fun to be around at that moment.
To my mom, my dad, my Aunt Mary, who’s always supported my dreams, to the rest of the Goetz girls, Kristin, Sarah and Katie, my best friends and sisters, your belief in me has never wavered. My brothers-in-law, my nieces and nephews, Olivia, Maddie, Maren, Miles and Gage, so incredibly proud of you all.
I would not be who I am today without your constant love and support. To Jenn, who is my voice of reason, my courage and my true partner, to the Fraser family, I’m so grateful for this amazing crew who is watching literally from coast to coast spreading Hawkeye spirit. You all make me better each and every day.
To my coaches and my teammates, to the athletes I had a privilege to coach and the many colleagues and mentors who have shaped my path, I am grateful for all that I am learned from you. I’d like to acknowledge Gary Barta for his hard work and stewardship in turning over such a respected athletics program and for the opportunity to first join this great Hawkeye team. To Ball State president Geoffrey Mearns and UConn AD, David Benedict, my gratitude and admiration for you both is limitless. Thank you for your investment in me, your friendship and for being true examples of leadership.
To so many others who have touched my journey, thank you for your words of wisdom, for your candid criticism that challenged me and helped me grow, and for being examples of how to serve student-athletes.
For decades, the University of Iowa has attracted and developed generational talents, past and future Hall-of-Fame coaches, trailblazers and industry leaders like Dr. Christine Grant, athletes who have changed their sport and left their mark on the hearts of our fans.
We will work hard to honor all that came before and the next group that is sure to walk through our doors. Our obligation will be to do what is right, to hold tight to our great tradition while not being afraid to embrace a creative and nimble approach that allows the Hawks to be successful in this new age of college athletics.
Supporting our athletes to graduation, the responsibility to represent this great institution with integrity and competing for Big Ten and National Championships will remain our priorities.
We have the great privilege and opportunity to touch lives and to support young men and women in pursuit of their dreams and to help shape the future leaders of this great community, state and beyond.
To our student-athletes, and it’s so touching to see so many of you here with us today. Know that our team will be your biggest champions. Your well-being will be the guiding force for every decision we make. I look forward to continuing to work closely with such an amazing group of coaches. You can put this group against any other in the country. Lisa Bluder, Kirk Ferentz, Tom Brands, Lisa Cellucci, Fran McCaffery, Rick Heller, Sasha Schmid, Jeff Garbutt, Dave DiIanni. I’m sure there are others here, it’s hard to see. We have an incredible group of coaches. Their success, their character, the impact that me make on their athletes and the imprint on our institution is second to none.
Our dedicated staff will continue to go above and beyond in support of our teams, and we have so many other credible partners across this campus. Couple this with the generosity of our donors, sponsors and fans whose financial contributions are critical to our success, and together we will provide you with a first-class experience on and off the fields of play.
While pursuit of a University of Iowa degree will always be central to this transformational experience, we recognize the system is changing. We will listen to the voices of our athletes and recognize the value that you bring to our strong Iowa brand.
We will prioritize ensuring we are prepared for what is to come tomorrow, use data to drive our decisions, be an engaged partner with our many stakeholders. Let’s embrace high expectations, commit to innovation, not be afraid to make a mistake, and enjoy all the special moments and victories that come along the way.
Change equals opportunity, and I am confident the Hawks are well-positioned to navigate the shifting college athletics landscape. My pledge to all of you here today is to lead the University of Iowa with this foundation.
I will serve with integrity, transparency and a relentless drive for success. The athletic department will partner closely with the campus and faculty, with our community leaders, with Tony Petitti and the Big Ten Conference, and our loyal and passionate fans.
We will chase winning. We will be champions in competition and in preparing our young men and women for the next 40 years of their lives.
Our commitment is to earn the right and passion of the Hawkeye faithful every step of the way.
We all know the strength that lies in this team. Together, we will embrace the ambitious spirit so prevalent here at the University of Iowa. We’re going to support the growth and academic success of our students. We’ll strive for competitive excellence. Together we will serve to unite and bring pride to this great Hawkeye community. I want you all to know how excited I am to write this next chapter here with you.
Let’s go. Together, we fight for Iowa. Go Hawks!
