Iowa coaches, other stakeholders comment on ‘home run’ hire of Beth Goetz as Hawkeyes’ permanent AD

IOWA CITY — In the hours following Thursday’s announcement of Beth Goetz’s appointment as the University of Iowa’s permanent athletics director, Iowa coaches and other key stakeholders were quick to praise the hire and Goetz’s leadership.

Here is what they had to say. All of the comments are from prepared statements, unless otherwise indicated.

Lisa Bluder, head women’s basketball coach

“President Wilson hit a home run with the choice of Beth Goetz to lead our Department of Athletics. Beth is a unifying leader who communicates and listens with great effectiveness. Beth is the right person to lead our department into this ever-changing athletic landscape.”

Kirk Ferentz, head football coach

“I am pleased that Beth has been officially hired as our university’s newest director of athletics. Since arriving at the University of Iowa, Beth has shown a tremendous dedication to the university and a passion for our student-athletes. She has a vision that is respectful of the traditions of our athletics programs while embracing opportunities in the rapidly changing college sports landscape. Beth is highly professional, and I believe is well-equipped to navigate this new era of collegiate sports.”

Fran McCaffery, head men’s basketball coach

“I am so excited for the future of the department and our program. Beth has been a tremendous asset to the university since she stepped foot on campus, and I am thrilled she will continue to lead the Iowa Department of Athletics. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Beth and that experience, and her vision for the department has been impressive. The ability to work closely with her helps our program immensely.”

Brad Heinrichs, CEO of Swarm Collective

Heinrichs said on The Gazette’s Hawk Off the Press podcast Goetz has been “tremendous” to work with as Heinrichs raises money for Iowa athletes via name, image and likeness.

“Beth comes to a lot of our tailgates before football games, and not only does she show up, she’ll talk with fans and donors,” Heinrichs said on the podcast on Thursday. “At least half the time, she’ll grab the microphone and talk about how important Swarm is to the success of Iowa Athletics. Having people who may be generally averse to name, image and likeness hearing from the — well it was interim athletic director, now-permanent athletic director as of like an hour ago probably or two hours ago — that this is important, it really helps us. She’s been a pleasure to work with. I don’t have a bad thing to say about Beth.”

Clarissa Chun, head women’s wrestling coach

“There is no better person to lead Iowa Athletics. Beth brings great energy and shows her support to all programs. Her leadership as an interim AD has made great and positive impact as she navigated through various situations. She has taken the time to gain an understanding of our program and our sport. We couldn't be more excited for her continued leadership. Congratulations, Beth!”

Tom Brands, head men’s wrestling coach

“Beth Goetz earned her way into the business by not making it about business. She is about the right things. The Hawks got the best.”

Lisa Cellucci, head field hockey coach

“I am thrilled that Beth Goetz has been named Director of Athletics. She is absolutely one of the best administrators I have had the opportunity to work with. Beth is a championship communicator, and fantastic problem-solver; most importantly, she operates with the highest integrity. I so appreciate her dedication to collaboration and the effort she makes to have a presence within our program. In this critical moment in college athletics, we are fortunate to have an incredible leader guiding us forward. It will be an absolute honor to work for her, and I know the Hawks will continue to rise to new heights under Beth’s leadership. It’s a great day to be a Hawkeye!

Jim Barnes, head volleyball coach

“Iowa has a new leader that everyone can be very proud of. Beth has the respect of every coach in the department because she is a strong leader, a thoughtful listener and a difference maker that gets things done. Hawkeye student-athletes are in great hands.”

Joey Woody, director of track and field and cross country

“I am excited to welcome Beth as our new Director of Athletics! In a short amount of time, she has shown great leadership and an unwavering commitment and support of our track and field and XC athletes and staff. Beth has tremendous passion for the University of Iowa and the Hawkeyes. She brings exceptional experience from many levels of collegiate athletics, and I trust that she will lead our programs through this new Big Ten and NCAA landscape.”

Sasha Schmid, head tennis coach

“I have no doubt that in Beth Goetz we have the transformational leader Iowa Athletics needs to succeed and thrive at the highest levels of collegiate athletics. I am proud to be a Hawkeye under Beth’s leadership where she sets the highest example for integrity, intelligence, communication, vision, and success. We absolutely hit the jackpot on our new Director of Athletics. We have an exciting future ahead of us in Hawkeye Athletics!”

Rick Heller, head baseball coach

“This is a great day for Iowa Athletics! Beth is a talented and experienced administrator with strong leadership skills. She has a proven track record of success everywhere she has been. Beth is the perfect choice to lead us into the new Big Ten and will be a strong voice for Hawkeye athletics nationwide. I am happy and excited for Beth, and believe President Wilson made an outstanding decision.”

Josh Schamberger, president of Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Sports Commission

“I’ve been fortunate to have gotten to know Beth both professionally and personally,” Schamberger said in a text message to The Gazette. “I have walked away from every meeting or visit more impressed and appreciative. Her passion and commitment to work and the community is infectious. As a community guy, I’m just as excited to continue learning from her as those within the university.”

Tyler Stith, head men’s golf coach

“Beth is an excellent leader and a perfect fit for the University of Iowa. Her wealth of experience will help guide our programs into the new era of college athletics. It is a great day for Hawkeye student-athletes, staff, and fans.”

Megan Menzel, head women’s golf coach

“In the short period that Beth has been on campus, it has been exciting to see her impact on our staff and student-athletes. She has brought great energy, communication, and has worked quickly to unite our department. The women’s golf team is excited to have her as our leader. Go Hawks!”

Larissa Libby, head gymnastics coach

“We are ecstatic that Beth Goetz has been named Iowa’s newest Director of Athletics. Throughout her short time, she has hit the ground running making sure she is a strong representative of the roots of Iowa’s culture, while simultaneously establishing her own vision of Iowa Athletics within a new era of NCAA sports where the interest in women’s sports is at an all-time high. Her role as one of very few female Directors of Athletics at the Division I level is pivotal, and she has wasted no time in making herself visible and accessible to all of us at Iowa. We look forward to following her lead as she brings our university both academically and athletically to the next level.”

Jeff Garbutt, head rowing coach

“Today is a great day to be a Hawkeye! I am thrilled to have Beth leading us into the future. She is a passionate, dedicated and inspirational leader that brings out the best in everyone. With the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, the University of Iowa is in good hands.”

Dave DiIanni, head soccer coach

“Good leaders are hard to find, but great leaders are almost impossible. Beth is a great leader, a leader who empowers people to be confident, forward-thinking and think outside of the box. Her leadership ability can be best described as supportive, transparent and energetic. There are great years ahead for all of us at University of Iowa Athletics and in Hawkeye Nation.”

Renee Gillispie, head softball coach

“Beth has shown great leadership and vision this past year. She has been listening and responding to difficult issues while guiding the staff through an ever-changing environment in the NCAA. She has been a guiding force for the athletics department and an incredible liaison to the university. We look forward to having her full-time to help navigate a new era for Iowa Athletics.”

Joe Conklin, Iowa Athletics development director and Iowa football alum

“Beth Goetz is the exact right leader to meet this critical moment for the Iowa Hawkeyes and collegiate athletics,” Conklin said in a tweet. “Get excited, Hawks! We got a great one today!”

Nicole Grosland, associate engineering dean and chair of search committee

“The search produced an impressive group of candidates. The committee had an opportunity to interview multiple sitting athletic directors from across the country. Beth emerged as a finalist with a strong vision to lead the department at this crucial time.”

Last but not least … Beth Goetz herself

“I am truly honored and humbled to lead Iowa’s storied athletics program, and I am grateful to President Wilson and the search committee for their confidence in my leadership. The University of Iowa is a world-class institution with a demonstrated commitment to athletics excellence, and I look forward to continuing to partner with our coaches and staff in support of all our student-athletes. It is a privilege to serve our campus and our passionate Hawkeye supporters.”

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com