Rodecap Brings Decades of Experience as New ESU Athletic Director

by Don Weast

Emporia, KS (08/05/2025) — Steve Rodecap has been named the next Director of Athletics at Emporia State University.

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named the next Director of Athletics at Emporia State University," said Rodecap. "I want to sincerely thank President Ken Hush, Search Advisory Committee Chair Gary Sherrer and the entire search advisory committee for their trust and confidence in my vision for the future of Hornet Athletics."

He moves into the Athletic Director role in his third year at Emporia State following a successful 24-year career as director of tennis at the NCAA Division I level.

Steve currently serves as ESU interim co-athletic director. He joined Emporia State University in 2023 as assistant athletic director of operations after a successful 24-year career as a head coach and director of tennis at the NCAA Division I level and a standout athlete in his own right at Ball State University.

His journey from athlete to coach reflects a deep commitment to developing student-athletes, using his firsthand experience to guide and mentor the next generation. This evolution, eventually leading to a role in athletic administration, underscores his dedication to enhancing university athletics and shaping transformative student experiences.

"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," said Rodecap. "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."

He has had a major impact during his time with the Hornets moving from Assistant Athletic Director of Operations to Senior Associate Athletic Director in just two years. He served as the sport administrator for football, men's and women's basketball and softball, was Emporia State's representative on the MIAA Basketball Tournament Committee and was a key part of the Hornets hosting the 2024 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. Rodecap was a part of the hiring process for several athletic department positions including Hornet men's basketball coach Tom Billeter and Lady Hornet coach MJ Baker, as well as the search committee for the ESU Foundation President. Additionally, he played an integral part in securing free general admission tickets to all 2025-2026 athletic events as part of the ESU Year of Celebration.

"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," said Emporia State President Ken Hush. "With the vast changes happening in collegiate athletics and Steve's experience at the highest Division I level as a student athlete and coach, 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 spent the previous 20 years as the director of tennis at Marquette University. He guided the Golden Eagles men's team to a 262-201 record during his tenure, highlighted by a BIG EAST Conference tournament title. He led the squad to 14 winning seasons, four league championship match appearances and leaves as the program's all-time leader in career victories. The longest-tenured head coach at the time he left Marquette, Rodecap also led the women's team his final three seasons.

He had several roles on the national level as well. Rodecap served on the Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Committee from 2017-21 and was nominated as the Chair of the Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Committee for the NCAA and was the Co-Chair of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rules Committee.

"Steve has the experience and leadership skills needed to move ESU Athletics forward," said Gary Sherrer, chair of the search advisory committee. "He knows the coaches, staff and league, so he can hit the ground running."

Rodecap joined the Marquette program after a successful four-year stint as the head coach at Northern Illinois. Rodecap guided the program to a runner-up finish at the Mid-American Conference Tournament and led the NIU men's tennis program to the most wins since 1996-97.

Prior to his tenure at NIU, Rodecap served as an assistant coach at Texas Christian University, where he led the Horned Frogs to the second round of the NCAA Regional Championships.

A standout player in his own right at Ball State University from 1992-96, the Anderson, Ind. native helped BSU to a trio of Mid-American Conference Championships during his playing days. Following his playing days, Rodecap remained at Ball State as a graduate assistant for coach Bill Richards. Over the next two seasons BSU won two more conference titles.

Rodecap and his wife, Emily, have three children: Patrick, Missouri and Noah.

"I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working alongside our coaches, staff, and university partners to elevate the Hornet experience in every way," said Rodecap.

A press conference to formally introduce Rodecap as Emporia State's fifth Athletic Director since 1971 is set for Monday, August 11.

The Emporia State University athletic director search advisory committee, made up of current and former students, coaches, faculty, administrators and community members representing each of the 15 sports in which we compete, recommended Steve Rodecap as the fifth athletic director since 1971.

What Committee Members Say:

"I could not be more excited about having Steve Rodecap named athletic director at Emporia State. Having been here a long time, I think he fits perfectly. I have been able to work directly with him over the last year or so and feel like he is exactly what we need as an athletic director at Emporia State."

Emporia State Head Football Coach Garin Higgins

"The very first time I met Steve it was easy to realize he was going to be an outstanding Director of Athletics some day! He is a terrific communicator, always well prepared, thinks outside the box and has a natural ability to relate to people. Plus, he has won championships as a College Coach. He will do special things for our university."

Emporia State Head Men's Basketball Coach Tom Billeter

"Steve Roadcap embodies what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and vision. His leadership isn't just about strategy - it's about people, and he consistently builds community, fosters collaboration, and supports those around him. His promotion to Athletic Director is a tremendous win for Emporia State, and I'm grateful to be part of his team."

Emporia State Head Lady Hornet Basketball Coach MJ Baker

"Steve is an investor. He invests in his people, their families, and the community. He welcomes future challenges with an innovative and growth mindset and will help our department, university and community prosper and reach new heights. His servant leadership style makes him a natural choice for our next leader and I look forward to the passion and motivation he will bring to the position to keep us moving forward!"

Emporia State Head Softball Coach April Rosales

"Steve has the experience and leadership skills needed to move ESU Athletics forward. He knows the coaches, staff and league, so he can hit the ground running."

Emporia State University Alum and Athletic Director Search Advisory Committee Chair Gary Sherrer

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