Maryland Appoints Diana Sabau as Senior Deputy Athletic Director
Maryland has made a significant move in its athletic leadership by appointing Diana Sabau as the senior deputy athletic director. This decision, announced on July 9, marks a pivotal step in shaping the future of Maryland Athletics under the leadership of new athletics director Jim Smith.
Sabau will serve as Smith’s top assistant, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise from her previous roles in college athletics. She is the second major hire for Smith, following the appointment of Joe Labue as deputy athletic director/chief revenue officer. Labue previously held the position of president at Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC, adding to the strong leadership team being assembled at Maryland.
A Veteran Executive with Big Ten Experience
Diana Sabau has a long and distinguished career in college athletics, particularly within the Big Ten Conference. Before joining Maryland, she served as vice president and director of athletics at Utah State University for nearly two years. Prior to that, she worked as deputy commissioner and chief sports officer for the Big Ten Conference, where she was the first-ever Chief Sports Officer in the league’s 125-year history.
Her tenure at the Big Ten included overseeing all 28 sponsored sports, managing affiliate memberships, competition, scheduling, championships, and officiating. She also provided oversight for football, basketball, hockey, Olympic sports, and officiating administration.
Before her time with the Big Ten, Sabau spent over 20 years at The Ohio State University as senior deputy athletics director. During her time there, she served as a sport administrator for football, women’s ice hockey, and co-ed rifle and pistol programs. Under her leadership, the Ohio State football team won four consecutive Big Ten championships and participated in the College Football Playoffs.
Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence
Sabau’s role at Maryland will involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Terrapin athletic department. She will be responsible for implementing new strategies and initiatives, including revenue-share management, contract negotiations, football scheduling, creating operating efficiencies, enhancing the overall student-athlete experience, and maintaining communication with the Big Ten Conference.
She officially begins her new role on July 28, and her arrival signals a new era for Maryland Athletics. With her extensive background and deep knowledge of the Big Ten, Sabau is expected to bring valuable insights and leadership to the department.
Contributions at Utah State University
During her time at Utah State University, Sabau led the athletic department to significant success on and off the field. She coordinated the Aggies’ move from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 Conference, which will take effect in the 2026-27 season. Her efforts included launching a $125 million “Reach and Rise” fundraising campaign, the largest and most ambitious in the university’s history.
Under her leadership, Utah State achieved historic success during the 2023-24 academic year. The university won a school-best four Mountain West championships and had multiple teams competing in the postseason simultaneously. In the 2024-25 season, Utah State continued its success by winning Mountain West championships in women’s soccer and gymnastics, with multiple NCAA appearances across various sports.
Strong Support from Colleagues
Jim Smith, the Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics at Maryland, praised Sabau’s extensive experience and contributions to college athletics. He highlighted her ability to build dynamic winning cultures and her deep understanding of the Big Ten Conference.
Gene Smith, former director of athletics at Ohio State, also expressed confidence in Sabau’s abilities. He noted her versatility as an administrator and her potential to contribute significantly to Maryland’s athletic program.
A Leader with a Passion for College Athletics
Sabau is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and serves on the Executive Board for Women Leaders in College Sports. She is also involved with the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors.
A native of Kenmore, New York, Sabau earned a master’s in sports administration from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. She also attended Oxford University, Somerville College. Sabau and her husband, Jamie, have two children.
With her impressive resume and proven track record, Diana Sabau is poised to make a lasting impact on Maryland Athletics. Her leadership will help drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and a student-athlete-centered culture that reflects Maryland’s tradition of excellence.
