Sioux City and Orange City, Iowa — Tony Hoops of Northwestern College has been named the 2025-26 Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Athletic Director of the Year, an award selected by the conference’s athletic directors.
Now in his third year as Northwestern’s athletic director, Hoops has guided the Red Raiders to significant success in athletics, facilities, and leadership after previously serving as athletic director at Bethel College (Kan.).
Under Hoops’ leadership, Northwestern completed the $6.2 million Den Hartog Athletic Complex in 2025 and is also overseeing a $12 million renovation of Korver Field/De Valois Stadium, scheduled to begin this fall. He also led fundraising efforts for the new softball turf project that broke ground in summer 2026.
Hoops was recognized as a 2024-25 NACDA Athletic Director of the Year and serves the NAIA as the GPAC representative on the NAIA Athletics Directors Association, as well as third vice president of its Executive Council.
Northwestern teams captured four GPAC championships and earned 12 NAIA National Championship appearances this past season. The Red Raiders also hosted the NAIA Women’s Volleyball Opening Round and Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds, and the women’s volleyball team finished as the NAIA National Runner-Up. Looking ahead, Northwestern will add women’s wrestling as a varsity and conference sport next year.
Northwestern President Greg Christy says Hoops’ first three years at Northwestern have been outstanding, outlining his leadership, character, work ethic, and commitment to the college’s mission. GPAC Commissioner Corey Westra says that Hoops made a tremendous impact on the league and is a trusted colleague whose insight and leadership are valued.
As the GPAC recipient, Hoops becomes the conference’s nominee for the NAIA Athletics Directors Association Athletic Director of the Year award.
