Maddie Salamone

Maddie Salamone is a sports attorney, college athlete advocate, and former lacrosse player for Duke University. She received her J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She entered college ranked #6 on Inside Lacrosse’s list of incoming freshmen and was an Under Armour High School All-American. Her numerous battles with injuries throughout her collegiate career, including bouncing back from three knee surgeries, gave her an intimate understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional issues many athletes endure.

While in college, Maddie chaired the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she led athletes from each of the Division I conferences in advocating for athletes across the country. As chair, she served on rules working groups, legislative and leadership councils within the NCAA, and consulted with numerous groups on issues concerning college athletes. During the 2014 NCAA Convention, she delivered a speech on the convention floor demanding that athletes be given voting power at all levels the NCAA governance structure, which was the eventual result. She was awarded the ACC President’s Award for Exemplary Service in 2017 for the lasting impact of her advocacy.

Maddie is passionate about empowering athletes with the tools they need to succeed in all areas of life. She has been a leading voice for NCAA reform and college athletes’ rights over the years, consulting with leaders and lawmakers across the country, and providing insights into the major issues within college sports. Maddie works with college athletes on matters concerning eligibility, scholarship appeals, abuse and mistreatment, transfer, mental health, well-being, and mindset. She also educates and consults on policies and issues related to name, image, likeness (NIL) in college sports. Her YouTube channel, “WYE Channel,” and podcast, “Speaking of Athletes,” contain informative content for those trying to understand the complex issues within college sports. She also co-hosts the podcast, “College Athlete Strong,” which also addresses the legal, economic, social, and cultural issues affecting college athletes.