🏆 Career Insights: Elevating the Athlete Experience

From Small Town to Hoop Dreams

Julie hails from Francis Creek, Wisconsin, a town of just 600 people. Surrounded by a tight-knit community and a love for sports, Julie became a multi-sport athlete, eventually finding her true passion in basketball. That passion led her to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, just 30 minutes from home, where she earned her only Division I scholarship offer.

By her redshirt sophomore season, Julie had become a key player for Green Bay, helping lead the team to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they faced Brittney Griner and the Baylor Bears. "Our program's culture was all about outworking, defending, and playing as a collective. We had to get creative to find different ways to win. At the time, I didn’t fully realize the strength it was building within me, but looking back, it was a pivotal moment in my life. It showed me that even if you're not the top talent, when you come together with a common goal, really beautiful things can happen." In her senior year, Julie was named a finalist for the Wooden Award alongside basketball legends like Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins, and Griner. She was then drafted 18th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Draft—a major milestone in her career. For the last 13 years, Julie has been playing internationally, gaining valuable insights into the sports world, which fueled her desire to help create WEVOLV alongside fellow athlete Jori Davis.

The Unique Perspective of a Global Athlete

Reflecting on her journey, Julie notes how her competitive mindset shaped her view of success. Early on, she believed elite athletes were defined as Olympians or their presence in well-known leagues like the WNBA. However, her experiences abroad broadened that perspective, teaching her that the landscape of elite athletics is more diverse than she initially imagined. Playing overseas exposed her to new opportunities and perspectives that have deeply influenced both her personal and professional life.

Julie has embraced the opportunity to experience different cultures and viewpoints. This curiosity drove her to travel independently, immersing herself in the cities where she played. Early in her career, she was in awe of teammates who spoke multiple languages with ease, which motivated her to expand her own horizons. Exposure to diverse cultures has been pivotal in her personal growth, helping her clarify her values and inspiration. She noted the importance of surrounding yourself with a diverse group of people, as it fosters growth and offers new insights into one's identity.

Her travels also illuminated the complexities of human behavior and cultural norms. By observing different societal frameworks, she better understood how cultures approach business and interpersonal interactions. This awareness allows her to adapt her strategies globally, creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. Acknowledging the varied thought processes across cultures has given her a distinct advantage in her business endeavors, drawing from a spectrum of experiences.

Building with Purpose & Advocating for Athletes

Julie’s experiences as a professional athlete fueled her passion for advocating for others in the industry, which influenced her to join Jori in creating WEVOLV. The mission is simple: to break down the barriers in sports that often restrict athletes’ access to essential information. “There are so many conflicts of interest,” Julie says, stressing the need for transparency and genuine support for athletes navigating their careers. WEVOLV is designed to empower athletes by offering unbiased information and resources, ensuring they can make informed decisions. “What we’re building is an advocacy tool that will put the individualized needs of each athlete as the priority,” Julie explains.

Throughout her journey as a world-class athlete and now as a founder, Julie highlights the importance of self-awareness and surrounding yourself with the right people. “It’s crucial to understand your strengths and weaknesses,” she advises. Her partnership with founder Jori Davis is grounded in shared core values but complementary characteristics, a critical foundation for building a successful venture. Looking forward, Julie is excited about WEVOLV’s future and the positive impact it can have on athletes and their communities. As she continues to grow the company, she encourages aspiring sports professionals to embrace challenges and stay adaptable. “Life will flow where you allow it,” she says.

Anyone interested in connecting with Julie or speaking with WEVOLV, feel free to contact her at [email protected].

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