Jill Bodensteiner

Commissioner, Horizon League

Jill Bodensteiner was selected as Commissioner of the Horizon League in 2026 following eight years of leadership as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

With a holistic approach to college athletics and comprehensive focus on the field, in the classroom, on campus, and as an industry leader, Bodensteiner built a foundation that led to competitive excellence. A record number of Hawk teams advanced to their respective NCAA Championships in 2021-2022 with postseason opportunities and triumphs continuing throughout her tenure. One of the highlights was the Hawk field hockey team’s exceptional 2025 season, leading to an appearance in the national championship game, a first for any St. Joe’s athletics team.

Bodensteiner was also instrumental in an $80 million transformation of the St. Joseph’s recreation and athletic facilities, including a renovation of the O’Pake Fitness & Recreation Center; opening of the Maguire Athletic Center; new turf field at Ellen Ryan Field; and new lights at Sweeney Field. For her deep expertise and involvement in collegiate athletics and the success of the Hawks on and off the court and field, she was named the 2024 Nike Division I Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in Sports.

Beginning her 20-year career at her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, Bodensteiner spent 10 years as an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel. She moved into Notre Dame Athletics in July 2009, providing significant leadership within intercollegiate athletics. With the Irish, she was responsible for governance, legal issues, and the department’s sport administration program. She served as the sport administrator for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program, which reached six Final Fours during that time.

Bodensteiner is a sought-after speaker on legal issues in intercollegiate athletics, and was one of two athletic directors in the country invited to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in an October 2023 hearing on the future of college sports. She previously served as a member of the several NCAA committees and working groups: Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, Committee on Academics, Committee on Women’s Athletics, Federal and State Legislative Working Group, and Division I Council NIL Working Group. Bodensteiner is also a former member of the Board of Directors of Women Leaders in College Sports.

Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Bodensteiner received her undergraduate degree and her MBA from Notre Dame, and her JD from Washington University in St. Louis. Valparaiso University appointed Bodensteiner to its Board of Trustees in January 2025.