Trinity Soccer Leadership Drives Three-Time Captain’s Rise in the NFL

Quentin van der Lee ’21, a Trinity University Tigers men’s soccer team captain for three out of his four seasons, has taken the leadership skills he cultivated on the field to the NFL. He now serves as a senior coordinator for the Consumer Products division and a football operations representative.

Van der Lee’s role at the NFL is as dynamic as the events he oversees. "Each event presents unique challenges and opportunities," he explains. "My focus is on coordinating strategies for e-commerce and event retail while also managing the logistics of NFL Shop locations at high-profile events. The travel demands and the fast-paced nature of the job make it an exciting challenge every day."

A native of Tuxedo, New York, van der Lee chose Trinity after Head Men’s Soccer Coach Paul McGinlay convinced him Trinity was the best place to keep playing soccer and continue his education.

“Coach McGinlay ensured I had a positive soccer experience and knew working in sports was my goal after college,” van der Lee says. “Part of the selling points for Trinity outside of the soccer program were Dr. Jacob Tingle and the sport management program, along with access to local professional sports organizations.”

While at Trinity, van der Lee had his introduction to the NFL during the summer of 2020 as an events intern, and in 2021 he interned with Spurs Sports & Entertainment.

Still, Trinity soccer has been one of the most impactful parts of van der Lee’s life and career. Playing midfielder, he carved out an impressive legacy, culminating in All-America honors in 2018 from United Soccer Coaches. Additionally, he earned All-Region and All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference accolades.

“Soccer was incredibly influential to my experience at Trinity,” van der Lee reflects. “The team was like a larger family to me. Outside of the success we had as a program while I was there, it was the lifelong friendships with my teammates and my relationship with Paul that I am most grateful for.”

After graduating from Trinity with his bachelor’s degree in business administration, van der Lee earned a master’s degree in sport management from Southern Methodist University. While in Dallas, he put his soccer skills and knowledge to work as a video analyst for Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, assisting the coaching staff with film study, game preparation, and scouting of opponents.

Drawing on his expertise in marketing and management, van der Lee joined the NFL in New York as an analyst for emerging products in the Consumer Products division in May 2022. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by June 2024, he was named senior coordinator, overseeing the strategy and implementation of NFL Shop locations at major events like the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Combine, and Draft.

“I feel like my experiences on the team at Trinity helped prepare me for later in life and still benefit me each day in my career,” van der Lee says.

As a Trinity alumnus, van der Lee actively engages with fellow Trinity Tigers, sharing his story and offering advice to prospective students.

“Trinity is an incredibly special place and community that prepares you well for the rest of your life. In addition, it connects you to an incredible alumni network that is committed to staying in touch beyond their time in San Antonio and connecting with the current student body,” van der Lee says.

For van der Lee, Trinity wasn’t just the start of a successful soccer career—it was the foundation for a journey that continues to unfold in the world of sport management at the highest level.