Pioli Family Partners with Women Leaders in Sports to Provide 100 Scholarships at Iowa, Virginia

KANSAS CITY — Veteran sports executive Scott Pioli and his family have partnered with Women Leaders in Sports to provide membership scholarships to 100 student-athletes and students working in athletics at the University of Iowa and the University of Virginia.

The scholarships are designed to invest in emerging leaders before they enter the workforce. Recipients gain access to professional development, leadership experiences, and a national network of women leaders across the sports industry, helping them build critical skills and professional relationships well beyond their college years.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Pioli Family and Women Leaders in Sports for investing in the next generation of leaders at the University of Iowa," said Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair at the University of Iowa. "For our student-athletes and students working in athletics, this scholarship provides more than access to a membership. It provides access to a community of accomplished women, new perspectives, and relationships that can shape their careers for years to come."

For students, the initiative creates a direct bridge between the collegiate experience and a career in sports—allowing them to begin networking and developing leadership skills while still competing and working on campus.

"It's genuinely a privilege for my family and me to serve these student workers and student-athletes from the University of Iowa and the University of Virginia," said Pioli, a longtime supporter and member of the Women Leaders National Advisory Council. "More importantly, it's an honor to serve Dr. Carla Williams and Beth Goetz by supplementing the extraordinary work they do in their roles as Athletic Directors. The recipients get to see their leadership firsthand, and so do I. The access to the Women Leaders in Sports network, combined with proximity to the daily leadership shown by Carla and Beth, will open doors and create opportunities for future young leaders for generations."

"Leadership is not something you wait to develop once you have a title; it is built through experiences, relationships, and opportunities to learn from others," Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. "We are grateful to the Pioli Family and Women Leaders in Sports for creating this opportunity."

Through their Women Leaders in Sports membership, recipients will receive direct access to educational programming, mentorship avenues, and national convention resources designed to advance women in athletic leadership roles.