Women have long been making significant strides in the sports industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female professionals. From executives to legal experts, women are excelling in various roles across the world of sports.
Notable University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law alumna Matina Kolokotronis, ’89, is a trailblazer. Kolokotronis serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Sacramento Kings and holding the distinction of being the only woman in the NBA to have held both the titles of COO and President of Business Operations. Alumna Emily Azevedo, ’19, transitioned from competing as U.S. Olympic athlete to using her legal expertise to support fellow athletes.
Other distinguished alumni, like Michelle Wong, ’03, and Mia Mosher, ’94, represent high-profile athletes and coaches from organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and WNBA, specializing in trusts and estates and family law, respectively. Both Jill McBride Baxter, ’88, and Aleksandra Smiljic, ’21, have carved out successful careers in the sports sector, with McBride Baxter leading as a prominent sports agent and attorney, and Smiljic thriving in her work for the San Jose Sharks.
These accomplished women not only contribute to the success of sports organizations but also shape the future of sports law and representation, proving that women have a crucial role in every aspect of the sports world.
Link to Alumna paves path for women working in NBA Alumna paves path for women working in NBA
Matina Kolokotronis, ’89, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Sacramento Kings. Kolokotronis is currently the only woman in the NBA to have held the titles of COO and President of Business Operations. Kolokotronis has worked for the Sacramento Kings for 25+ years.
Kolokotronis also worked as an adjunct professor at McGeorge for seven years, teaching a class on sports law that was focused mostly on contracts.
“I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for McGeorge and what they gave me; the education, the knowledge has led me to where I am today,” Kolokotronis said.
Link to Alumna transitions from Olympic athlete to Athlete Ombuds for Olympians and Paralympians Alumna transitions from Olympic athlete to Athlete Ombuds for Olympians and Paralympians
What does an accomplished Olympic athlete do after she retires from athletics? For Emily Azevedo, ‘19, the next step in her career was attending McGeorge School of Law to equip herself with the skills needed to support fellow athletes. Azevedo now works for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a Senior Associate Athlete Ombuds.
Azevedo represented Team USA as a bobsledder for eight years and as a rugby player for 2.5 years. She competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics for bobsledding and ranked among the most elite athletes in the world. In 2014, she was an alternate for Team USA’s bobsled team at the Winter Olympics.
Link to Alumna establishes herself as choice attorney of professional athletes Alumna establishes herself as choice attorney of professional athletes
Michelle Wong, ’03, has established herself as the choice attorney for professional athletes. Wong represents a number of clients who are NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL players and coaches.
Wong is a partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Columbus, Ohio, where she works in the firm’s corporate department. Wong-Halabi’s practice is primarily focused on estate planning, including wills and trusts. Her stellar reputation in this field led some of her clients to refer professional athletes to her.
Link to Alumna represents high-profile athletes in family law cases Alumna represents high-profile athletes in family law cases
Mia Mosher, ’94, represents high-profile athletes in family law cases. Her passion for law stemmed from a chance encounter that led to a chance to an interview with the Jones Day Law Firm. This encounter sparked her interest in law and started the long journey that led to her opening and operating Marsten & Mosher, with her law partner, Michelle Marsten.
The firm represents a range of individuals, from teachers to high-profile athletes in the NFL, NHL, and WNBA. Mosher specializes in child custody, asset division, support issues, and prenuptial agreements.
Link to Alumna from a sports family builds career as a leading sports agent, author, and educator Alumna from a sports family builds career as a leading sports agent, author, and educator
Jill McBride Baxter, ‘88, grew up in a sports-oriented family as the daughter of Utah Hall of Fame Football coach. She merged her passion for sports and law, establishing herself as a prominent sports agent and attorney. She represents professional football players, coaches, media personalities, and college athletic administrators.
She is the author of the book “Born to Be A Sports Agent,” teaches a Sports Law in Practice course at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, and hosts a podcast called Representation Without Taxation, where she discusses topics relevant to pro and collegiate sports.
Link to Alumna thrives as associate counsel for San Jose Sharks Alumna thrives as associate counsel for San Jose Sharks
With a Juris Doctor degree and a concentration in Business from McGeorge School of Law, Aleksandra Smiljic, ‘21, positioned herself for success as the Associate Counsel for the San Jose Sharks. Smiljic joined the San Jose Sharks in 2022. Smiljic is passionate about her work, citing the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the sports industry as a major draw.
“The world of sports is dynamic and fun! I love that I get to collaborate with so many talented people in various departments on a daily basis. The opportunity to constantly learn and face new diverse challenges in the ever-changing legal space has been incredibly intellectually stimulating and makes for a unique day, every day,” Smiljic said in a post shared by the San Jose Sharks.
Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is celebrating members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.
Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.