Jodi Steyer, a longtime associate head coach for the Iowa State women's basketball program, revealed her retirement on April 22, 2026, bringing to a close a 31‑year career that has become synonymous with the Cyclones' rise to national prominence.
Steyer spent 24 seasons at Iowa State, guiding the team through 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet Sixteen runs, and a memorable Big 12 Tournament championship that cemented her reputation as one of the most influential assistants in the sport.
Before joining Bill Fennelly's staff, she honed her skills at Colorado State, where she emerged as the Rams' all‑time leading scorer with 1,598 points, and later at Toledo, helping the Rockets to three NCAA Tournament bids and five Mid‑American Conference titles.
After a hiatus to focus on her family, she returned to Ames in 1999, rekindling a partnership with Fennelly and assistant coach Latoja Schaben, a reunion that was facilitated by her husband, Ed Steyer, who had moved the family to Iowa.
The Iowa State Way: A Culture of Character and Competition
The principles that Steyer championed — integrity, resilience and a commitment to academic success — continue to guide the program, ensuring that the next generation inherits a legacy built on more than just wins.
Her impact is perhaps best captured in the way she cultivated a ‘family‑like’ atmosphere within the program, emphasizing the ‘Iowa State Way’ — a blend of academic excellence, athletic ambition and personal character that has shaped countless student‑athletes.
Steyer’s tenure produced signature victories, including a dramatic comeback over Michigan State in the 2009 NCAA Tournament and the historic snap of Baylor’s 58‑game winning streak in 2020, moments that still resonate in Cyclone lore.
Beyond the scoreboard, she has mentored players who have gone on to careers in sports medicine, business and community leadership, a testament to the lasting influence of her guidance.
Though she will step away from the bench, Steyer says she will remain a die‑hard fan of Iowa State women's basketball and continue to support the community that helped define her career.