Heather M. Owen was hired as Santa Clara's Director of Athletics on September 5, 2024. A former athlete at both the collegiate and professional levels, she joins the Broncos after a successful 15-year stint at Stanford Athletics where she rapidly rose in positions of responsibility, most recently as the Deputy Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator (SWA).
Owen, who earned her bachelor's in political science and a minor in sociology from Stanford in 1998, is returning to Santa Clara for the first time since earning her J.D. from Santa Clara University's Law School in 2003.
"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."
A native of Moscow, Idaho, Owen joined Stanford Athletics in 2008 and 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.
As a student-athlete, she was a standout on the hardwood for head coach Tara VanDerveer and the Cardinal. A two-time Pac-10 All-Academic selection, she helped lead Stanford to three NCAA Final Four appearances from 1994-98. Upon graduation, Owen played professionally in the WNBA and abroad in France before switching career paths and heading to Santa Clara to pursue her law degree. She worked for four years as a practicing attorney at DLA Piper before entering athletics administration.
Owen and her wife Maggie are the proud parents of a three-year-old son, Hugh. They reside in Menlo Park, Calif.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT HEATHER M. OWEN...
"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. 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." - Julie Sullivan, Santa Clara University President
"I am excited about Heather Owen becoming our next athletic director. As an alumna, she understands what's special about the Santa Clara community. Heather is passionate and brings tremendous energy and a firm belief we can win national championships in sports across the board. I am enthusiastic about her leadership, and believe all our coaches and Bronco student-athletes will feel the same way." - Jerry Smith, Santa Clara Women's Soccer Head Coach
"I am thrilled that Heather Owen has been selected to lead Santa Clara Athletics as our new athletic director. She has outstanding drive and passion and possesses all of the qualities needed to propel our department in the right direction for the future. Her commitment to the excellence and holistic well-being of our student-athletes makes her a tremendous choice to lead Santa Clara Athletics." - Herb Sendek, Santa Clara Men's Basketball Head Coach
"I am thrilled for Heather and this opportunity is so incredibly well-deserved. Heather’s experience within intercollegiate athletics is wide-ranging, and her background as a student-athlete offers added perspective. A valued sport administrator and respected voice as it relates to the well-being of our student-athletes, Heather has been successful leading a variety of service units in our department. Heather is solution-oriented, prioritizes relationship building and has been resourceful in navigating a rapidly evolving collegiate landscape. Heather has been a trusted confidant and I know she will be a dynamic leader for Santa Clara.” - Bernard Muir, Stanford’s Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics.
“I can’t think of a better person to lead Santa Clara Athletics. I’ve known Heather for more than 30 years, both as a player and professional, and she has excelled in everything she’s ever done. She is a natural leader, an open communicator, adaptable, and will deliver a superb student-athlete experience for the Broncos. In the ever-changing world of college athletics, Heather is in this for the right reasons and has never lost sight of the profound and positive impact that athletics can have on the life of a young student. I’m thrilled for her, Maggie and their family as they embark on this new chapter.” - Tara VanDerveer, former Stanford Women's Basketball Head Coach and the NCAA's all-time winningest coach.
"I am so thrilled that Heather Owen will be our new athletics director. Heather is sharp, motivated, and prepared to take us into this new era of college athletics. I cannot wait to see the influence and leadership she has on our wonderful coaches, staff, and student-athletes." - Gina Carbonatto, Santa Clara Softball Head Coach
