Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan hasannounced the appointment of Heather M. Owen J.D. ’03, Stanford University deputy athletics director/SWA (Senior Woman Administrator) as the next Broncos director of athletics. Owen, who earned a J.D. from Santa Clara University’s School of Law, is a former student-athlete and WNBA player and is an accomplished athletics administrator who has risen rapidly in positions of responsibility at Stanford Athletics over the past 15 years.
Sullivan cited Owen’s values-based approach to supporting student-athletes, experience with multiple aspects of athletics administration, and proven leadership accomplishment as key factors in her appointment.
“We are in a transformative moment for college athletics overall, and several important qualities stood out that make Heather the ideal person to lead Santa Clara Athletics,” said Sullivan. “She has high academic and athletic aspirations for her student-athletes, and the experience, commitment, and track record to support them in attaining both. Her success as a student-athlete and WNBA player reveals her competitive nature and commitment to excellence. As a leader, she has the smarts and strategic and operational acumen needed to achieve it—and, importantly, the candor, calm, and trustworthiness required to successfully manage the challenges faced in building a highly competitive program. In Heather, we have found the perfect fit.”
Owen looks forward to rejoining the Bronco family at a pivotal moment in its trajectory.
“I am a proud Bronco with deep ties to the Bay Area, and am excited by the opportunity to lead Santa Clara Athletics, an outstanding program that, like the University, has been on the rise and recognized nationally for its excellence and growth trajectory,” said Owen. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to assume this leadership position and work with an incredible Bronco community of coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and the University overall to continue the ascent and help define what an outstanding athletics program can be for the Bronco family.”
Owen joined Stanford Athletics in 2008 and has served in a wide range of positions that include leading the department’s development efforts, serving as a sport administrator for women’s basketball, football, men’s golf, women’s golf, and field hockey, and overseeing student-athlete support services, such as athletic training, physical therapy, sport psychology, sports nutrition, and sports performance. She was a standout basketball student-athlete at Stanford and a two-time Pac-10 All-Academic selection who helped lead the Cardinal to three NCAA Final Four appearances. Owen played professionally in the WNBA and abroad in France, while also pursuing a law degree from Santa Clara, which she earned in 2003. She worked for four years as a practicing attorney before entering athletics administration.
Owen assumed leadership of Santa Clara Athletics effective September 17. Owen succeeds Renee Baumgartner, who served nine years in the role before stepping down on June 30 to return home to Oregon to attend to family health issues.
