Charles W. Mentkowski Sports Law Alumnus of the Year Award

MATTHEW J. BANKER, LAW '01
Louisville

Matthew’s expertise in the nuances of college sports’ rules — he has worked for the NCAA and Ohio Valley Conference — makes him a key asset to the University of Louisville athletics department.

“Each day is unique,” he says. “Being part of the process that involves educating students and supporting their teams’ competitive ambitions is rewarding.”

And, he adds, “Going to sporting events as part of your job is a pretty good deal.”

Matthew became Louisville’s associate athletic director for compliance in October 2013.

Before joining the Louisville staff, he was assistant commissioner for institutional services for the Ohio Valley Conference, which has 12 member institutions in five states. Matthew oversaw the conference's NCAA compliance operations, reviews and rules education to member schools. He also served as the conference’s representative on several NCAA committees.

Previously, Matthew was assistant dean for student affairs at the Indiana University School of Law. He worked at the NCAA after earning his J.D. from Marquette, first as associate director of membership services and later as associate director of academic review at the NCAA Eligibility Center.

A native of Wauwatosa, Wis., he was president of the St. Thomas More Society and a member of the Sports Law Society at Marquette. And his family’s ties to Marquette trace back several generations.

“My grandpa used to coach football — yes, football! — at Marquette,” he says.

Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wis.
Dream dinner guest: “My grandparents.”
Marquette member who had an impact: “Paul Anderson from the Law School.”
Career he aspired to in grade school: “Firefighter.”
Most influential person: “My parents. They set the stage for me.”