COLLEGE PARK, Md. — On July 9, the University of Maryland (UMD) introduced Diana Sabau as their next senior deputy athletics director. Sabau’s role will focus on handling everyday operations for the Terrapin athletic department, such as contract negotiations, introducing new strategies, and scheduling for UMD football.
July 28 will mark Sabau’s first official day at UMD following her previous position as athletics director and vice president at Utah State University (USU), a position she’s held since 2023.
Diana Sabau shared that she was excited to join the UMD family in a recent statement posted on the UMTerps website:
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the Maryland athletic department and work alongside Jim, our Terrapin staff, and student-athletes. Coming back to a conference that I know and love is important and special to me. This is a dynamic time for all of college athletics, and I’m eager to help drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and a student-athlete-centered culture that reflects Maryland’s tradition of excellence.”
Sabau also said she was looking forward to working alongside UMD’s lineup of coaches and athletics staff, as a team will only grow strong if they can collaborate clearly.
“I look forward to collaborating with our coaches, staff, and Terp Nation to build on our momentum and make a lasting impact,” Sabau said.
Sabau’s involvement with the Maryland Terrapins could push the team to further greatness, and her extensive experience as an athletics director will surely aid UMD in its future endeavors.
Who Is Diana Sabau?
Diana Sabau previously worked as an athletics director at Utah State University, where she took an interest in athlete health, balanced the athletic department’s budget, and helped her department connect with the campus at large. Prior to working at USU, Sabau held a long-time position as senior deputy athletics director at Ohio State University.
Sabau has also taken on other notable roles in the world of college sports, like her position as the chief sports officer and deputy commissioner for the Big Ten Conference, a collegiate conference focused on athletics.
In a statement posted to the USU website, the Utah State Board of Trustees expressed sadness at parting ways with Sabau, while also noting that UMD is receiving one of the best athletics directors in the industry.
“Maryland is getting a true gem in Diana. In her two years at USU, AD Sabau ‘met the challenge.’ She lifted Utah State Athletics in ways that exceeded our expectations, and all in spite of negative headwinds, significant challenges, and an ever-changing landscape.”
The board continued by highlighting a few of Sabau’s greatest accomplishments at USU, many of which were ongoing challenges.
“She focused on culture and worked to build a positive championship culture and also a culture of accountability. She helped our student-athletes achieve academically, prioritized their mental health and nutrition, improved our facilities while thoughtfully planning future enhancements, worked to connect the athletics department with the broader campus community, and she did this, and countless other things, all while balancing USU’s athletic department budget for the first time in many years.”
As Utah State University says goodbye to its athletics director, the University of Maryland welcomes Diana Sabau onto its field. An athletics director is an essential component of a successful college sports scene, both culturally and regarding performance, and Sabau is ready to step up to the plate.
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