The University of Washington’s Center for Leadership in Athletics (UW CLA) and the Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) Master of Education (M.Ed.) program are undergoing exciting leadership transitions. Dr. Sara Lopez, longtime director of the IAL M.Ed. program and a key figure in its development, will retire this fall. Dr. Lopez will pass the torch to Dr. Hannah Olson, who will become the Director of the IAL M.Ed. program. Additionally, Dr. Julie McCleery will join Dr. Olson as Co-Director of the UW CLA, together leading new initiatives and expanding the impact of its community-centered sports leadership programming.
Dr. Lopez’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career at the University of Washington. She co-founded the IAL M.Ed. program in 2005 alongside the center’s founding director, Dr. James Antony. She played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s curriculum and structure; launching its first cohort in 2006–2007. Dr. Lopez helped position IAL as a nationally recognized program in graduate education for aspiring athletics professionals. Her vision led to the development of distinct administration and coaching tracks; giving students clear, structured pathways into careers across all areas and levels of athletics.
In 2009, Dr. Lopez was instrumental in establishing the University of Washington’s Center for Leadership in Athletics; transforming it into a hub for innovation in sport leadership, education, and research. Her legacy is rooted in her unwavering commitment to student success and her determination to positively influence and transform the worlds of education and athletics. Mia Tuan, the Dean of the College of Education, praised her character, “She’s an even-tempered, calm, measured, and lovely presence, and I’ve greatly appreciated working with her over the years. In the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with her as an area chair, and unsurprisingly, she has been the consistent, strong, level-headed leader that we need at this moment in time.” In Dr. Lopez’s role as the Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Policy Area Chair in the College of Education, as well as director of the Leadership in Higher Education M.Ed. program, she has made a lasting impact across the College of Education.
Dr. Hannah Olson, an alumna of the first IAL M.Ed. cohort and a member of the program’s leadership team since 2008, will step into the role of Director of the IAL M.Ed. program. Over the past 16 years, Dr. Olson has worked alongside Dr. Lopez and contributed to curriculum development, student advising, and program administration. Her experience across youth, collegiate, and professional sports gives her a comprehensive perspective on the industry, positioning her to lead the IAL M.Ed. program during a pivotal time for collegiate athletics. She has cultivated strong relationships with students and alumni, creating a dynamic network that she plans to continue to leverage to further enhance the program’s impact. Dr. Lopez recognized Dr. Olson’s extensive qualifications to lead the IAL program as its new director, “Energy – Innovation – Impact. Through her time as an emerging professional to her expanded leadership roles today, Dr. Olson creates dynamic settings for students to be challenged and grow, for staff to envision and execute bold ideas, and for colleagues to find connection and collaboration. I am 100% confident in Dr. Olson’s leadership and thrilled to watch what comes next. With her commitment for shaping the future of sport for young people and her steady guidance of a team poised to create change, the future is bright! Even in these uncertain times Dr. Olson has the vision and management skills required to continue building opportunities for inclusion, equity and the potential power of the sport experience.”
In addition to updates within the IAL M.Ed. program, the UW CLA is also seeing shifts in leadership. Dr. Julie McCleery will transition from her role as the Center’s Director of Research-Practice Partnerships to serve as the UW CLA Co-Director. With over 25 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and advocate for youth sports equity, Dr. McCleery is well-equipped to guide the UW CLA into its next chapter. Her career includes roles such as Project Manager for the Collaborative Schools for Innovation and Success initiative, Managing Director of the INSPIRE Project, and Co-Founder of the King County Play Equity Coalition. As the UW CLA co-director, Dr. McCleery will oversee a range of initiatives, including directing the UW CLA’s research portfolio, engaging in systems and policy work, driving regional and national partnerships in the sports and education space, and teaching responsibilities in the Ed Studies and IAL M.Ed. program. Dr. Olson commended Dr. McCleery’s exceptional work and influence, “Julie has provided vital leadership to the Center for over a decade. She brings a rich background in research, policy, and education that will support the CLA’s efforts to become a national leader in sport reform. Julie is a leading mind and visionary in the field, and I am thrilled for her to step into this new role.”
This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for the University of Washington’s Center for Leadership in Athletics and the Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership M.Ed. program. Dr. Lopez’s trailblazing legacy has laid a strong foundation, and with Dr. Olson and Dr. McCleery stepping into their respective roles, both the UW CLA and IAL M.Ed. program are well-positioned for continued success and impact across athletics.