Former Indiana basketball player Steve Downing to retire as Marian athletic director

Steve Downing, a former Indiana basketball player, is set to retire as Marian University's athletic director at the close of the 2026-27 academic year. His tenure at Marian, which lasted for 16 years, saw the Knights become a dominant force in various NAIA sports, particularly cycling. Downing, who will go out on 16 years of service, expressed his greatest joy in knowing that he made a positive impact on the lives of young people.

He emphasized that while wins and losses are important, it is the people he has helped that truly matter. Downing fondly recalled the emotional moments on graduation day when students would approach him, hug him, and express their gratitude without uttering a single word. He considered this as his ultimate reward. Marian has achieved remarkable success under Downing's leadership, winning 125 team conference championships and having over 200 individual national champions.

Downing's basketball journey is noteworthy as well. He played alongside George McGinnis, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer on the undefeated 1969 Washington High School team. Downing also had a three-year stint at Indiana University and a brief career with the NBA's Boston Celtics. His professional experience extends to IU's athletic department, where he spent over 20 years.

Downing is also a proud member of the Indiana High School Basketball and IU Athletics halls of fame.