Jeff Schmidt was promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Legal Affairs in July 2019. In this capacity, he oversees Human Resources, Athletic Ticket Office, Technical Services, Equipment Room, Sports Camps and Clinics, Risk Management, Football scheduling, and the negotiation, development and execution of all Athletics’ contracts.
In addition, Schmidt is responsible for enhancing revenue streams and promoting Wisconsin products and sponsorships through the department’s major revenue-producing partnerships. Specifically, Schmidt serves as the contract liaison to Athletics’ multimedia rights and sponsorship sales partner, shoe and apparel provider, retail merchandise partner, and licensing and trademark partner.
Schmidt has also overseen UW’s Event Management, Food & Beverage, Facilities and Guest Services departments and served as the sport administrator for the Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving programs. Schmidt’s other capacities within the Department of Athletics have included Special Assistant to the Deputy Athletics Director (2004-06), Event Manager (2006-2011), Associate Director of Events and Operations (2011-2012), Assistant Athletics Director of Events and Operations (2012-2013), Senior Assistant Athletics Director for Administration and Legal Affairs (2013-2015), and Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Legal Affairs (2015-2019).
A former first-round draft pick of the Anaheim Angels in 1992, Schmidt spent eight seasons in professional baseball with the Anaheim Angels and Cleveland Indians organizations, making his major league debut with the Angels in 1996. Schmidt also worked as an attorney at a Madison law firm before joining the Athletic Department.
A native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Schmidt graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in 2000 and earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2003. He and his wife, Rebecca, have a daughter, Sydelle.
Updated: December 3, 2019
