Heather M. Owen, a proud alumna of the Santa Clara University School of Law (Class of 2003), has long been driven by a deep passion for law and sports. As of September 5, 2024, Owen was hired as Santa Clara’s Director of Athletics. Owen sat down with us and shared that she is “Honored…absolutely honored to hold this position and it is a privilege that is not lost on me.”
She also noted, “Very few women to date have had the opportunity to serve in this role, and being at my alma mater only makes it that much more special.”
Prior to attending Santa Clara University School of Law, Owen graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s in political science and a minor in sociology. She credits her legal education as a critical foundation for navigating the complexities of college athletics. “Practicing law has given me a unique perspective,” she said. “It’s a confluence of legal, financial, and ethical issues, and having a legal background is invaluable. Owen also played for a Stanford women’s basketball team that reached the Final Four in three of her four seasons.
Her journey from law to sports leadership was shaped by mentors at Stanford, where she gained firsthand experience under the guidance of previous athletics directors. Yet, it was her conversations with SCU President Julie Sullivan that ultimately solidified her decision. She stated, “I wasn’t actively looking for an athletics director position, but after speaking with President Sullivan and understanding the vision for Santa Clara Athletics, everything changed.” Furthermore, she also noted, “The Board of Trustees’ commitment to athletics excellence sealed the deal.”
Reflecting on her time at Santa Clara Law, she cites professors like Bradley Joondeph and Ellen Kreitzberg as transformative figures who challenged her to think critically. “Those day-to-day interactions with professors and classmates were incredibly impactful,” she said. “I met amazing people who have remained good friends to this day.” Moot court was another defining experience, offering a platform to hone her advocacy skills.
For current law students and recent graduates, her advice is clear: “Take a breath and enjoy the process. Yes, the pressure and workload are significant, but it’s a privilege to be here. At the end of it all, you’ll see the fruits of your labor.” She also encouraged students to follow their passions, even if that means diverging from a traditional legal career path. “If you don’t want to use your legal degree in the typical way, that’s okay. Trust the balance between your heart and your gut.” She also emphasized that students should take the time to get to know their fellow classmates.
Looking ahead, Heather Owen has outlined a bold and forward-thinking strategy for Santa Clara’s athletics program. With the collegiate sports landscape becoming increasingly shaped by issues such as NIL rights and the forthcoming House v. NCAA decision in April, she emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Owen noted, “Now is the time to pressure test ourselves,” she explained. “We need to ask, ‘Who do we want to be, and where do we want to land?’”
An important goal for Owen is elevating men’s basketball into a strong contender for the NCAA Tournament. Drawing comparisons to top-tier basketball schools without football programs, she sees an opportunity to allocate resources strategically, stating “We want to build a robust men’s basketball program that not only sustains excellence but becomes a destination for top players.”
Besides men’s basketball, Owen noted that women’s soccer also stands as a cornerstone of her ambitions. Already an NCAA tournament-caliber program, she is committed to maintaining and expanding investments to ensure continued success. “After further developing these programs, we’ll work to strengthen our other sports, one step at a time,” she added.
As college athletics continues to evolve through shifts in conference alignments, the transfer portal, and financial pressures, the new Athletics Director, Heather Owen, is ready to lead with vision and resolve. “Change is constant,” she said. “But whether it’s navigating economic realities or fostering stronger team bonds, we’re committed to building programs that embody the spirit of Santa Clara: excellence, integrity, and community.”
With a focus on innovation and a deep respect for tradition, Santa Clara’s new Athletics Director is positioned to make an immense impact, inspiring both student-athletes and the broader university community.
Written by Isaiah Schutz-Ramon, Alumni Relations Events Manager, and
Daniel Zertuche, Student Writer for Santa Clara Law
Media Contact
Jennifer Wooliscroft | Director of Strategic Communication and Outreach | jwooliscroft@scu.edu | 408-551-1763