A historic 2025-26 year
The extension follows the most successful year in the department’s recent history. 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 the Iowa athletics staff 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.