UMBC women’s soccer alum Lola Negrete is pursuing a legal career focused on advocacy while interning with the NCAA’s Office of Government Relations. In an alumni Q&A, Negrete discussed her UMBC experience, legal education at George Mason and work involving collegiate sports legislation.
Negrete’s UMBC Women’s Soccer Career
Negrete joined the Retrievers in 2022 after playing at Jacksonville University, where she appeared in 41 matches over three seasons, scored two goals and recorded six assists. She started every game during her debut UMBC season and scored her first goal for the Retrievers in a 2-1 victory over Wagner.
In 2023, Negrete started all 18 contests and led UMBC with six assists. She also served as captain of the women’s soccer team and participated in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which worked with the athletics department to address student-athlete needs.
“I loved my experience at UMBC! Sports brought me there, but the people and community made leaving so bittersweet,” Negrete said.
Before joining Jacksonville University, Negrete was a four-year starter at Trabuco Hills High School in California. As a senior, she led the team in goals and assists, earned All-League honors and was an AP Scholar with Distinction and Presidential Honor Roll member.
From UMBC Coursework to Legal Advocacy
Negrete completed a master’s degree at UMBC before attending George Mason University. Coursework at both institutions strengthened her interest in mass incarceration, conditions of confinement, victim advocacy and civil rights.
“I always knew I wanted to be an advocate,” Negrete said. At George Mason, she is co-president of the law school’s chapter of If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice and is involved with the Trial Advocacy Association.
Negrete has competed in a trial competition and has served on the Executive Board of the American Constitution Society for all three years of law school. She also is the executive editor of George Mason’s Civil Rights Law Journal.
Negrete’s NCAA Internship
Negrete said she applied twice for an internship with the NCAA’s Office of Government Relations, first in summer 2025 and again the following summer. She found the opportunity through George Mason’s job portal and ultimately joined the office.
Her work includes outreach related to the Protect College Sports Act, assessing state laws regarding proposition bets in sports gambling and monitoring congressional social media posts involving sports and sports legislation. She said the evolving legislative, legal and regulatory landscape surrounding collegiate athletics has made the work timely.
Advice for Students
Negrete did not follow her original plan to attend law school immediately. She originally planned to wait a year after completing her master’s degree but decided in late December to apply during the fall 2024 law school cycle.
“There is no single path to law school or a legal career, and that is completely okay,” Negrete said. She also advised students to “make the most of every opportunity, even when it isn’t part of your original plan.”
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Negrete’s path shows how her UMBC women’s soccer experience accompanied her academic and professional development. Her UMBC leadership and advocacy interests now connect with her legal education at George Mason and internship with the NCAA’s Office of Government Relations.
Source: Original report
