University of Minnesota Athletics
Chris Voelz - M Club Hall of Fame
Chris Voelz
Women's Athletics Director, 1988-2002
HOF Class of 2007
Chris Voelz led the University of Minnesota Women’s Athletics Department from 1988 until the 2002 merger of the Men’s and Women’s Athletics Department in 2002.
She guided 12 women’s sports, many to regional and national prominence. Under her, Minnesota added women’s soccer, hockey and rowing, and increased endowed scholarships for women student-athletes from one to 25. The women’s athletic department achieved more than 25 consecutive academic terms with a 3.0 GPA or above, and female student-athletes graduated at rates above University and national averages.
Voelz oversaw a $10.9 million athletics budget and more than 80 employees, and helped secure more than $16 million to build new facilities such as Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, Jane Sage Cowles Stadium, Ridder Arena and the Baseline Tennis center, and rehabilitation of the Sports Pavilion – which honored her when it opened its Chris Voelz Volleyball Team Room in 2006.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois, Voelz played basketball, golf, volleyball and softball. After leaving Minnesota, she became a consultant for the Women’s Sports Foundation.