New Emporia State athletic director speaks for first time
EMPORIA (KSNT) - Emporia State University introduced Steve Rodecap as the school's new athletic director Monday afternoon, where he spoke to coaches, athletes, fans, and media as AD for the first time.
Rodecap started with Emporia State Athletics in 2023, serving as the Assistant Athletic Director of Operations, then working as the Co-Interim Athletic Director for the past year.
The new AD has three goals for the program—create a winning mentality, engage in philanthropy, and align athletics with the overall goals of the university.
Rodecap feels his previous two years of experience with the Hornets will help this program be successful.
"It's great to be able to come in here and recognize so many faces, I feel like I have a much easier landing path because of the relationship that I've worked two years on building," Rodecap said. "So yeah, I think being here gives you a great headway into this next venture."
Rodecap was selected by a committee made up of current and former students, coaches, faculty, administrators, and community members, with representation from each of the Hornets' 15 athletic teams.
Emporia State University president Ken Hush, who is set to retire in December, is confident in Rodecap's ability to impact the university's athletic programs positively.
"His journey from athlete to coach to administrator reflects a deep commitment to developing student-athletes," Hush said.
Rodecap expressed his excitement to work even closer with coaches and interact with fans, but his main goal is to improve the student-athlete experience.
"We will work our tails off every day to give you the tools, the support, and the opportunities for you to have an elite experience representing the Hornets," Rodecap said.
The new athletic director wrapped up his speech by emphasizing his desire for the entire athletic department to work as one team.
"This is not my athletic department, it's our athletic department," Rodecap said. "This is our moment, not my moment, to elevate Emporia State athletics to new heights..."