Utah State University (USU) is set for a transition in leadership as Diana Sabau, the vice president and director of USU Athletics, prepares to leave for a position at the University of Maryland. Her last day at USU will be July 21, 2025.
Interim President Al Smith praised Sabau for her leadership, highlighting her role in navigating USU’s move from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 Conference. This shift is crucial for keeping USU relevant in the evolving landscape of college athletics. Sabau’s time at USU since August 2023 brought many successes, making a significant impact on both student-athletes and the athletic department.
During her short tenure, USU saw some remarkable achievements:
– In September 2024, USU officially joined the Pac-12, marking a new chapter for Aggie athletics.
– The Aggies celebrated six conference championships, more than ever before in a single year. They won titles in women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, men’s tennis, women’s soccer, and also secured their first Mountain West title in women’s gymnastics.
– Sabau spearheaded the Reach and Rise campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s sports history. This initiative has already attracted nearly $29 million in donations. Events like the “A Day of Giving” saw a record 23% increase in donations compared to previous years.
Sabau also made key coaching appointments that revitalized programs, setting them up for success. Under new coaches, the Aggies not only improved their game but also kept academics a priority. In the 2024-25 academic year, 266 student-athletes earned Scholar-Athlete honors, contributing to a department-wide GPA of 3.51, the highest ever reported.
Reflecting on her time, Sabau expressed gratitude for the opportunities at USU. “I am proud of what we built, from championships to academic excellence. Our mission was clear: modernize the athletics department for the future,” she said.
As USU gears up for this leadership change, President Smith is working to find an interim leader to maintain the program’s momentum.
Historically, transitions like this can have a significant impact on university athletics. For example, in 2020, the University of Maryland saw a shift in its athletic leadership that led to substantial improvements in both sports performance and fundraising, a trend that USU could also capitalize on moving forward.
As USU enters the Pac-12 in the 2026-27 academic year, it aims not only to compete at a high level in sports but also to continue nurturing student-athletes who excel in both their sports and academics.
For those interested in Utah State Athletics, more information on the programs and achievements can be found on the university’s official athletics page.
Source link
Utah State University, Today, News, story, stories, press releases, Utah, media
