Hailey
Emporia State University is entering a new chapter in its athletics story, and at the center of it all is Steve Rodecap, a name that’s already become familiar around campus.
On August 11 2025, he will officially step in as the new Athletic Director, becoming the fifth person to hold this position since 1971.
But Rodecap isn’t a stranger to ESU. In fact, he’s been quietly shaping the future of Hornet athletics for the past couple of years. Starting in 2023, he served as the Assistant Athletic Director of Operations, and later stepped in as Co-Interim Athletic Director.
His promotion to full-time Athletic Director feels like a natural step forward for the school and its student-athletes.
A Leader Who Knows the Game
Before joining Emporia State, Rodecap spent 24 years as the Director of Tennis at Marquette University. That’s a long time at one place—and a sign of someone who knows how to build a lasting impact.
He has a deep understanding of what it means to be both a student-athlete and a coach at the NCAA Division I level, and he’s bringing that experience to a new generation of players at ESU.
In a press release, Rodecap said this is a “special opportunity” for him. But more than that, he made it clear that his focus goes beyond just wins and losses.
“We will strive to win not only on the courts and fields, but also in the classroom,” Rodecap said, “while providing an elite experience for our student-athletes, our campus, alumni, and the Emporia community.”
This shows the kind of leader Rodecap is—one who sees athletics as a path for growth, teamwork, and learning, not just as competition.
Making Sports Free and Fun
One of the biggest moves Rodecap has already made? He led the charge to make general admission free for all Hornet sporting events this year. That’s right—no tickets needed. Just show up and cheer for your team.
It’s a bold decision, but one that sends a clear message: sports at ESU should be for everyone, not just a few. This step is expected to boost attendance, increase school spirit, and create a more exciting game day experience 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.”
This change might seem small at first glance, but it shows a shift in how ESU is thinking about athletics—more inclusive, more connected, and more focused on community.
Backed by the Top
Emporia State President Ken Hush isn’t holding back his excitement. He said he’s confident that Steve Rodecap is the right person for the job, especially with all the changes happening in the world of college athletics.
“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,” Hush said.
That’s a big vote of confidence—and a sign that the university is ready to support Rodecap’s vision for the future.
Eyes on the Future
As fall sports get ready to kick off, Rodecap takes charge of a department full of energy and potential. From football to tennis, basketball to volleyball, every team at ESU now moves forward with new leadership and renewed purpose.
Rodecap’s approach feels different from typical college sports leadership. There’s no corporate jargon or complicated mission statements. He simply wants to create a program that puts students first, values integrity, and connects deeply with the local community.
And in a time when college sports can feel distant or overly professional, this personal approach could be exactly what ESU needs.
A New Era for the Hornets
With Rodecap stepping in full-time, Hornet fans, students, and alumni can expect a shift—not in the school’s identity, but in how it shows up for the people who love it.
He isn’t trying to build something flashy or dramatic. He’s focused on consistency, accessibility, and teamwork—the kind of values that last much longer than a single season.
So whether you’re a long-time Hornet supporter or just stepping onto campus for your first semester, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Under Steve Rodecap’s leadership, Emporia State’s athletic department seems ready to grow stronger, louder, and more united than ever before.
And if the early signs are any indication, it’s not just the teams that will win—it’s the whole ESU family.