Goetz: There’s No Better Time to Be a Hawkeye

Hawkeye Family,

As we turn the page to a new academic year, I am filled with excitement for what lies ahead and, most of all, gratitude for you.

The passion of Hawkeye Nation is extraordinary. You show up for our student-athletes in so many ways: in the stands, from afar, through your support of our programs, and through your generosity. You are an essential part of what makes the Iowa experience so special. Because of you, our student-athletes have the opportunity to put on the Black and Gold, represent this great university, and chase their dreams as Hawkeyes.

There is so much to look forward to this year.

Across each of our 22 sports, we have talented teams built on the foundation of returning Hawkeyes and strengthened by new faces who I am confident you will quickly embrace. In a time of tremendous change across college athletics, we remain steadfast in who we are. Our teams will be built on Iowa values, connected by strong cultures, and led by coaches who believe deeply in developing young people and competing the right way.

In just a few weeks, a talented football team will Swarm into a sold-out Kinnick Stadium, ready to write its own chapter in the storied history of Iowa football. Our basketball teams have put in a summer of hard work and preparation, and our fall sports are already competing. Soon, our remaining student-athletes will return to campus, ready to begin another semester and prepare for the seasons ahead.

And while our focus will always begin with our student-athletes, there is much happening around them. This year will bring a final design for the renovation of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, continued investment in the fan experience, new opportunities to connect with Hawkeye supporters across Iowa and beyond, and so many moments for us to come together and celebrate what it means to be a Hawkeye.

Among our 600 student-athletes are 600 unique stories, each unfolding in the classroom, throughout our communities, and in competition. Some chapters will play out just as we expect, while others will surprise and inspire us. Together, they remind us why we believe so strongly in the power of college athletics and in the remarkable young people who proudly wear the Iowa uniform.

Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for believing in our coaches and our programs. And thank you for making Hawkeye Nation what it is.

This is Iowa. And there is no better time to be a Hawkeye.

Together We Fight For Iowa!