Diana Sabau — new athletic director, new perspective
On August 7, Utah State University announced Diana Sabau as the new vice president & athletic director. She assumed her position on August 21.
“I am so over the moon, excited and energized. I’ve wanted to be an athletics director for a great part of my career, and this came together so perfectly for me,” Sabau said.
Sabau succeeds interim athletic director Jerry Bovee, who stepped in after the resignation of John Hartwell in November.
She comes to USU with an extensive resume, including 30 years of experience in college athletics. Before coming to USU, she served as deputy commissioner and chief sports officer for the Big Ten Conference, overseeing the administration of all 28 sponsored sports.
Prior to her work with the Big Ten, Sabau worked as a senior deputy athletics director at Ohio State University. There, she served as sport administrator for football, women’s ice hockey and the coed rifle and pistol programs. During her time, the Ohio State football team won four consecutive Big Ten championships and participated in the College Football Playoff.
Sabau said it has been nice to be recruited to such high esteem, and she appreciates the foundation of success that the university has demonstrated both academically and in athletics.
“I hope that together with my leadership and President Cantwell, we can truly elevate those athletic achievements and really become a force and all of our sports in the Mountain West,” she said. “I’m so excited. I just can’t wait.”
The hiring process was overseen by the search firm Collegiate Sports Associates Executive Search & Consulting.
“There was enormous interest in this position, and we were all very impressed by the depth of the candidate pool,” said Brian Steed, a member of the president’s executive team who chaired the search committee. “That really speaks volumes about the strength of USU Athletics.”
Former colleagues of Sabau and members of the Mountain West Conference celebrated the announcement, and congratulations spread across social media.
“Congratulations to President Cantwell and Utah State on recruiting Diana Sabau as their vice president and director of athletics,” said Gloria Nevarez, commissioner of the Mountain West Conference, in a statement. “She is an outstanding communicator, innovator, team player and above all else the consummate servant leader. A terrific hire for USU and the Mountain West.”
Sabau expressed her excitement to be a part of USU Athletics, but she isn’t entering the position expecting to make any changes in the beginning. She believes good leaders should learn from those who have worked there before deciding what’s best for the department.
“Before I change anything, I need to listen and learn. There will be a time, hopefully within the first 30, 60, or 90 days, that I’ve listened and learned from our staff, from my colleagues on campus, from students, from student-athletes and from people in the community, so that I can determine what Utah State Athletics needs to keep doing,” she said.
The athletic director reports to the president and is a member of the president’s senior leadership team. This person oversees all aspects of USU’s athletics department.
Sabau will make decisions regarding personnel, academic and athletic success, budgets, facilities, operations, fundraising, compliance and student-athlete welfare. She will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulations governing USU and its employees, as well as those of the NCAA and Mountain West Conference.
She plans to create an evaluation of the skill set in the department and a strategic plan with timelines and deliverables to map out the future success of Utah State Athletics. Her vision is focused on improving environment, performance, revenue and resources.
“At the end of the day, if we’re not a high-performing team, then we’re letting not only our students and our community down, but we’re letting the state of Utah down, and then we’re letting the Mountain West down. We’re not going to be able to capitalize on revenue and resources,” Sabau said. “I like to win, and I’m not going to apologize for that. We’re going to invest in winning, and we’re going to do that together.”
Working in a male-dominated industry, Sabau believes being a woman is a tremendous asset, as they bring a different perspective to the table.
“I always wanted to be in a diverse environment, but college athletics is not always diverse, especially in leadership. That provides opportunities for women to definitely step up and help other women be successful. I’ve always been really fortunate to have leaders provide opportunities for me, and so I need to continue to provide opportunities for others, especially women,” she said.
Still, stepping into her new role, Sabau doesn’t see herself as different from others because of her gender. Instead, she sees herself bringing a new perspective and talents she has developed throughout her career.
“I don’t look at being a female in this business as if I’m that different. I just bring a different value set, a different perspective. We all have commonalities and skill sets,” she said.
Sabau has made a favorable name for herself in college athletics. She has a master’s in sports administration from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. Outside of sports, she is a mother, wife, friend and neighbor. She has been married for 26 years and has two kids.
“Family is very important to me. But really, people are important to me. Throughout my life, I’ve been so fortunate to have people go the extra mile to do something kind to me. I’m looking forward to having relationships with colleagues on campus where you know, maybe I’d bring them a coffee in the morning or something just to show my appreciation,” she said. “That’s something that I like to do. I want to bring joy, and I want to have an impact. Those are two of my favorite words.”
Finding a work-life balance is challenging for many, but Sabau believes it’s necessary. She tries to be as balanced as she can in her free time by reading, exercising, being outdoors and gardening.
“I would call myself serious when I need to be serious, and I’m intense when we’re reaching for a goal. I’m fair, but I like to have fun,” Sabau said. “We’re in college athletics. We should be having fun.”
When asked what she is looking forward to doing while being in Cache Valley, Sabau reflected on a childhood memory.
“I cannot wait to go for my first horseback ride. When I was young, I used to go to a Girl Scout camp and do horseback riding for like two weeks at a time,” she said. “I’m just looking forward to that experience.”
Most of all, Sabau is looking forward to the Aggie spirit and being a part of the Cache Valley community.
“I’m looking forward to making some friends, meeting people in the community and having an impact in the community,” Sabau said. “I really like to be involved. I always say, ‘Give a busy person a project because we’ll get it done.’ And that’s me. I have a lot going on at once, but that’s just who I am. I like to run fast.”
She trusts the Aggies will welcome her into the community as USU Athletics continues to grow and succeed.
“I want to earn their respect,” Sabau. “I’ve worked hard, and I know what I’m talking about. I know that I know. I know the discipline, I know sports, I know the finances and I’m prepared. As long as I’m prepared, I know I’ll be successful.”