MEET OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JULIE SOMMER
A widely respected and accomplished attorney, Sommer is a recognized expert on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy having participated in the Uniform Law Commission’s NIL effort from 2020-21 to develop a national uniform NIL policy. A frequent speaker on NIL, she has also been published by Forbes.com, The Seattle Times, Sportico.com, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation among other media.
Sommer is a practicing attorney in Seattle, Washington litigating at the administrative, trial and appellate court levels. Her areas of expertise include trust and estate planning, administration, contested estates and guardianships, fiduciary representation, and contract and civil litigation.
“Julie brings an exceptional blend of talent, experience, energy, and vision to The Drake Group Education Fund at a pivotal time in the evolution of, and change, in intercollegiate athletics. TDGEF stands ready to chart a course in support of college athletes and continued excellence in college sports,” said Gerald Starsia, TDGEF board member and chair of the search process.
“It is with honor and gratitude that I accept the position of TDG/TDGEF Executive Director, the nation’s leading voice for equity and reform in college athletics,” Sommer said. “Leading this organization at this moment, during this time of great change and intense scrutiny of college athletics, is a daunting task. I am humbled by the trust and confidence the organization has placed in me to lead this important effort.”
She is the first executive director and is ready to guide the organizations to new heights to ensure that college athletes realize the promise of intercollegiate athletics — a meaningful education, the personal and athletic development of participants, and the excitement and community college sport brings to the higher education campus, alumni, and fans.
Julie began her involvement with The Drake Group as a member of its Education Working Group and assisting in policy lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., later joining as a TDG Board Member.
Sommer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of an NCAA National Championship swim team. Listed among the top ten in the World Swim Rankings, she was also a member of the United States Swimming National Team. She was an individual Conference champion as a freshman, NCAA All-American, and competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
During law school, Julie completed internships in the legal department of IMG headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio and at the Women’s Sports Foundation in New York in sports advocacy. Additionally, Julie served as a legal intern to The Ohio State University athletic compliance office assisting in NCAA compliance education and monitoring.
Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Washington, Julie is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association, King County (Seattle) Bar Association and the Sports Lawyers Association.
When Julie isn’t in the pool or enjoying a cold-water swim in Lake Washington, her other interests are hiking, climbing, cycling, and surfing. She also enjoys attending OL Reign matches, Seattle Storm and Mariner games, following her favorite college teams, and staying connected with her friends and former teammates in Austin.