Steve Rodecap named New Athletic Director at Emporia State

EMPORIA, Kan. (KSNT) – Emporia State University has officially named Steve Rodecap as the school’s next Athletic Director, ushering in a new era for Hornet athletics.

Rodecap joined ESU in 2023 as the Assistant Athletic Director of Operations and has served as Co-Interim Athletic Director over the past year. Now, he steps into the role full-time, bringing decades of leadership and collegiate athletics experience with him.

“This is a special opportunity, and I am both humbled and excited to lead a department committed to excellence, integrity, and the holistic development of our student-athletes,” Rodecap said in a press release. “We will strive to win not only on the courts and fields, but also in the classroom, while providing an elite experience for our student-athletes, our campus, alumni, and the entire Emporia community.”

Before his time at Emporia State, Rodecap served as the Director of Tennis at Marquette University for 24 years. His background includes experience at the highest levels of NCAA Division I athletics as both a student-athlete and coach.

In his time at ESU, Rodecap has already made a noticeable impact. Most notably, he helped lead an initiative to make general admission free for all Hornet sporting events during the upcoming athletic year—aiming to boost attendance and enhance the game day environment across campus.

"We wanted to invest back into our community that has helped us grow," Rodecap told 27 News. "We think this will drive a lot of support for the future."

Emporia State University President Ken Hush voiced his confidence in the hire.

“I am pleased to welcome Steve as our new Emporia State University Athletic Director and start off our 2025-2026 athletic season in his capable hands, developing our athletes as players, students, and members of the Hornet Nation,” Hush said in a press release. “With the vast changes happening in collegiate athletics and Steve’s experience at the highest Division I level, I am confident he will do great things to build on our Hornet legacy and pursue the future vision for Emporia State University athletics.”

Rodecap now takes the reins as ESU prepares for the fall sports season and looks to continue building a competitive and connected Hornet athletic department.

He will be officially introduced as the fifth athletic director since 1971 on August 11.