OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell and the University of Nebraska Foundation announced Monday the appointment of Lindsey Vande Hoef as Associate Athletic Director of Development. Vande Hoef begins her role today.

"Lindsey brings a unique blend of championship-level coaching experience and demonstrated fundraising leadership that will be a significant asset to Omaha Athletics," said Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell. "Her strong connections throughout the Omaha metro and her ability to build authentic, lasting relationships across our community position her to lead our Athletics Development efforts at a pivotal time for our department. We are excited to welcome Lindsey to the Maverick family."

With the move to Omaha Athletics, Vande Hoef returns to collegiate athletics after a four-year stint at the American Heart Association (AHA) where she served as the development director. With the AHA, Vande Hoef grew giving programs, cultivated and maintained a diverse donor pipeline and built strong relationships across the Omaha metro.

A two-time NJCAA District K Coach of the Year and four-time ICCAC Conference Coach of the Year, Vande Hoef brings nearly two decades of collegiate women's basketball coaching experience, with tenures at NCAA Division III Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and NJCAA Iowa Western Community College in nearby Council Bluffs, Iowa.
 
Vande Hoef's teams at Iowa Western won 137 games as she finished as the winningest head coach in program history with a win-loss percentage of 76.5% (137-42). 
 
Her program captured three Region XI championships, two NJCAA District K titles, and made two NJCAA National Championship appearances. Her teams also finished in the Top 25 of the NJCAA national rankings in four seasons.
 
"We look forward to welcoming Lindsey to the Maverick family," said Vice President of UNO Advancement Lauren Miltenberger. "She is a talented fundraiser with a passion for impacting the student-athlete experience and the Omaha community. We can't wait to see the impact she has through her work at the University of Nebraska Foundation supporting Omaha Athletics."

"My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Maverick family at such an exciting time," said Vande Hoef. "I'm grateful to Adrian [Dowell] and Lauren [Miltenberger] for the opportunity to bring my experience to Omaha Athletics and to build on the great work already underway to elevate our student-athletes, coaches and the organization through impactful philanthropic efforts in this new landscape."

About the University of Nebraska Foundation
 
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the 2025 fiscal year, a record $416.6 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, a record 60,602 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University's Future is the current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.