General | 5/6/2025 9:04:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (May 6, 2025) – On Tuesday, the Texas Woman's Athletic Department announced the hiring of Steve Schaack as the department's first Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations.

"We are thrilled to welcome Steve to our Pioneer team," said Executive Director for Athletics Sandee Mott. "His expertise in external operations, including fundraising, community engagement, marketing and ticketing will be instrumental as we continue to elevate the profile and impact of our athletic programs.  Steve has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration and student-athlete success throughout his distinguished career."

Most recently, Schaack served as the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at East Texas A&M University for two years. During his time with the Lions, Schaack lead the external marketing and corporate sponsorship activation, while also overseeing event management and digital media. Schaack's leadership led to a boost in ticket revenue by more than $30,000, a 42% rise in social media engagement on Instagram and a 14% rise in social engagement on X. He also spearheaded a growth in corporate sponsorship revenue by more than $120,000.

As a member of the senior leadership team, Schaack aimed to create a culture of community and teamwork to achieve the goals of the department. He worked to cross-collaborate with student-affairs and sponsors to increase marketing opportunities and fan engagement on campus and in the community. Additionally, Schaack supervised four sport staffs and assisted in the transition of the athletic department from Division II to Division I.

"My family and I are excited to be a part of the TWU family," Schaack said. "I am looking forward to working with talented people throughout the community to enhance the student-athlete experience. I am grateful to Sandee Mott and the opportunity she has provided me to be a part of something special."

Schaack began his career in college athletics at Utah Valley University as the Assistant Communications Director from 2004-07. During his time there, he supported Utah Valley's transition from junior college to Division I. Schaack worked to establish and grow relationships with in-state and national media to elevate the awareness, brand and coverage of the department.

He continued his collegiate communications journey at California State University, Fresno from 2007-10, where he served as the Assistant Communications Director. During his three years with the Bulldogs, Schaack worked to increase the social engagement of the department by developing the growth and awareness of the athletic brand to internal and external audiences. He also championed coverage of the women's basketball program on national platforms and media engagements for future NFL prospects, Major League draft picks, the College World Series Most Outstanding Player and the NCAA Coach of the Year. Throughout his time with the Bulldogs, he successfully pitched stories to local, regional and national attention and cultivated relationships to create valuable brand content and recognition.

These two positions allowed Schaack to hone his skills of storytelling, which led him to utilize skills of storytelling, brand management and department leadership in external operations positions.

After working at California State University, Fresno, Schaack transitioned to be the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Idaho State University, where he worked for 12 years. As a member of the senior leadership team, Schaack instituted a vision for the department to consistently attract regional, national and global interest, increase ticket sales, enhance fundraising activities and execute all sold marketing assets.  Additionally, he served as the sports supervisor over six athletic programs, while also leading marketing, communications and event teams for a department of over 400 individuals.

During his time at Idaho State, Schaack oversaw a marketing and messaging plan which assisted in raising $600,000 over two weeks. His marketing strategies grew football ticket sales by 16 percent and also saw the athletic department host their largest event since 2003. Finally, his social media strategies grew the athletic social media presence for 15 varsity sports, which moved the school to ranking in the top 30 out of 127 schools.

With Schaack's vision, attention to detail, vision-focused leadership and clear athletic department success, he will make an immediate, positive impact for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers will be hosting a meet-and-greet for Schaack at Embassy Suites Denton Convention Center at the lobby bar area on Tuesday, May 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All campus and community members are welcome to attend.