Edition #65
September 6, 2026
Welcome to The W Profile, a study of the women leading at the intersection of sports, media, and global business. As college athletics adopts professional structures, it is instructive to look to the visionaries who have already mastered the complexities of the corporate world. By bringing C-Suite lessons to the athletics community, this series will provide leaders with the insights necessary to build a lasting legacy.
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Introduction
The traditional trajectory for a Silicon Valley titan following a multi-billion-dollar exit usually involves quiet venture capital investing or a comfortable board seat. Renée James fundamentally rejected that script. After building a semiconductor empire and securing a massive acquisition, she immediately pivoted to an entirely different arena, launching Rule42 in August 2026 to systematically reinvent the fragmented, inefficient world of amateur sports scouting.
She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rule42, a sports technology company dedicated to democratizing the athlete discovery process. Her leadership is defined by an unparalleled pedigree in global tech operations, a willingness to tackle opaque industries, and a mission-driven philosophy that verified athletic talent should be discovered purely on merit, completely irrespective of geography or the ability to pay.
From Silicon Valley to the Diamond
James’s executive foundation was built at the absolute pinnacle of global technology. She spent a legendary 28-year career at Intel Corporation, eventually rising to the role of President. Prior to Intel, James earned a bachelor's degree in International Business in 1986 and while working at Intel a Master's of Business Administration in 1992, both from the University of Oregon. In 2017, rather than resting on her corporate laurels, she founded Ampere Computing, an energy-efficient semiconductor pioneer. Under her leadership as CEO, she built the startup into a $6 billion powerhouse, ultimately selling it to SoftBank in late 2025 in a monumental exit.
Instead of staying within the familiar confines of enterprise hardware, James identified a massive inefficiency in the youth sports market. She recognized that the multi-billion-dollar youth sports ecosystem was structurally broken—heavily reliant on subjective scouting, "pay-to-play" barriers, and fragmented data. Launching Rule42 just months after her exit from Ampere, she assembled an elite hybrid team of seasoned Silicon Valley executives (including former Intel execs) and high-level sports professionals (like 14-year MLB veteran Jed Lowrie and international softball coach Tara Henry). By the time she brought Rule42 out of stealth, she possessed the perfect playbook: applying ruthless, Silicon Valley-grade machine learning and data transparency to a legacy sports industry desperate for modernization.
The Rule42 Playbook
James approaches the business of sports technology with a strategy that treats data as the ultimate equalizer. Her playbook encompasses three critical pillars:
➤ Democratizing Discovery: James recognizes that the current youth sports model inherently favors those with the financial resources to travel to elite showcases. She anchored Rule42 on a revolutionary business model: the athlete pays nothing to create and develop their player profile. By removing the financial barrier to entry, she ensures that the platform captures the absolute best talent, not just the best-funded talent.
➤ Verified Transparency: In an industry plagued by exaggerated stats and subjective evaluations, James is weaponizing technology to create empirical truth. By utilizing patent-pending, sports-focused LLMs and machine learning platforms, Rule42 provides scouts, coaches, and teams with verified, actionable data, eliminating the guesswork from talent acquisition.
➤ The Hybrid Executive Team: James understands that a tech platform built without deep industry context will fail. She deliberately constructed her C-suite to balance hardcore technological expertise (bringing over her CFO, CPO, and General Counsel from Ampere) with authentic sports credibility. This ensures that the platform's artificial intelligence actually solves the real-world pain points of the scouts and coaches using it on the field.
Lessons on Agility and Vision
James has built a career out of refusing to be pigeonholed. She leads with the philosophy that the rigorous operational discipline required to build a semiconductor company can be translated to solve complex inefficiencies in virtually any other industry.
Crucially, she is an advocate for structural fairness. By focusing Rule42's initial launch specifically on Baseball and Softball—and earning the moniker "The Queen of Softball" from industry observers—she demonstrates a commitment to elevating sports that have historically lacked the centralized technological infrastructure of football or basketball. Her success proves that the most formidable executives don't just chase the most obvious markets; they identify broken systems and possess the operational stamina to completely rebuild them.
Takeaways
➤ Execution Translates Across Industries: James’s pivot from semiconductors to sports tech proves that elite operational discipline, talent acquisition, and scaling strategies are universally applicable executive skills.
➤ Remove the Friction for the User: By making the platform completely free for the athlete, she demonstrates that the fastest way to build a massive, undeniable database is to eliminate the primary barrier to entry for your core supplier.
➤ Data is the Ultimate Equalizer: In subjective industries, verified data is the most valuable commodity. Rule42’s reliance on machine learning proves that bringing objective transparency to a murky market is a massive competitive moat.
➤ Never Stop Building: Her immediate transition from a $6 billion exit to launching a brand new startup highlights a vital leadership trait: the best founders are driven by the challenge of solving complex problems, not just the financial finish line.
Read. Watch. Listen.
READ: Coverage of Rule42's launch in the Portland Business Journal, detailing how James transitioned from the $6B sale of Ampere to reinventing the amateur athlete discovery journey. (link)
WATCH: James sits down with WIRED’s Lauren Goode at the Masters of Scale Summit to discuss building a chip company from scratch, why most startups fail, the $6B sale of Ampere and more. (link)
WATCH: The 2024 Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit, where James talked about growing the state’s economy, her career trajectory, the need to create high-paying innovation jobs and more. (link)
Quote to Remember
Develop resilience and be brave. There are days when it is very discouraging. You have to develop personal resilience to environmental things that come along. If you let every single environmental challenge knock you off your game, it’s going to be very, very hard.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Kwanza Jones – Principal Owner, San Diego Padres
Publication Date: Wednesday, September 2
Charlene Polite Corley – Vice President of Diverse Insights & Partnerships, Nielsen
Publication Date: Sunday, August 30
Michelle Zatlyn – Co-Founder, President, and Co-Chair, Cloudflare
Publication Date: Wednesday, August 26
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(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)
(NEW!) Assistant Director of Motion Graphics - Creative Services (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the creative direction, design, and production of high-impact motion graphics and animated video board content. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Director, Annual Giving (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive donor engagement and strengthen relationships through Arizona Athletics' annual giving program, helping build lasting connections and philanthropic support. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
(NEW!) Executive Assistant to the CEO (University of South Carolina / Columbia, SC): Provide high-level executive support to the Gamecock Club CEO by managing communications, scheduling, travel, donor relations, Board activities, and key strategic projects. More details HERE.
Senior Director/Director, Game Presentation - Marketing & Promotions (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the strategic vision and planning of the in-venue entertainment experience for assigned sports. Responsible for end-to-end production leadership and execution of live game presentation elements. More details HERE.
Assistant Track & Field Throwing Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): POSITION SUMMARY Responsible for recruiting and coaching throwers for the Men's/Women's Track & Field program within established college, A-R-C and NCAA guidelines. More details HERE.
Account Executive (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Account Executive drives revenue and achieves predetermined sales goals related to securing and retaining football, men's and women's basketball, and hockey ticket and hospitality revenue. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience is the primary fan experience/marketing contact for assigned sports, overseeing promotional planning, game presentation, and campus/community outreach. More details HERE.
Operations Manager (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations for Joyce Center, along with leadership for facility operations, maintenance, event logistics, and administrative functions. More details HERE.
Director of Aquatics (Trinity University – Texas / San Antonio, TX): Responsible for operating, staffing, maintaining, and oversight for Hixon Natatorium and the outdoor pool. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Development (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Serve as a professional in the Athletic Department to cultivate & solicit former student athletes & coaches, alumni, parents, friends, community members, foundations & corporations for contributions. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations (SUNY New Paltz / New Paltz, NY): The Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations serves as the department's lead administrator for operational needs and event management. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer - 10-month Position (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Assists in the oversight of all aspects of health care for Loras College student-athletics within the guidelines set forth by Loras College, the American Rivers Conference, and the NCAA Division III. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Live Events & Video Services (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Execution of live events by overseeing equipment, ideation, and the creative process in preparation of graphics and videos. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive the Arizona Athletics brand through strategic storytelling, media relations, digital content, and championship-caliber communications that inspire fans and stakeholders. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's & Women's Tennis, Part Time (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Assist Head Tennis Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs in all aspects to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's and Women's Cross Country & Women's Track (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Work in conjunction with the Head XC/Track & Field Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Cross Country and Track & Field (Cleveland State University / Cleveland, OH): Serve as the Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach for our Women program nesseled in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. More details HERE.
Director of Compliance & Governance (Pac-12 Conference / San Ramon, CA): The Director of Compliance and Governance plays a critical role in supporting and administering the Pac-12 Conference's NCAA and Conference compliance programs. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy & Social Media (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy and Social Media serves as the Athletics Department coordinator of game-day promotions, social media and marketing. More details HERE.
Athletic Assistant Director of Compliance (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Oversees athletic compliance with NCAA, conference, and university regulations; monitors adherence, provides training, and supports development and implementation of compliance policies. More details HERE.
Assistant Equipment Manager (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Procuring, supervising, and maintaining uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and support staff, ensuring that all health and safety measures are implemented and maintained. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Provides care, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and related problems in cadet-athletes. Assumes primary responsibility for assigned team - Men's Soccer. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Performs volleyball coaching and management activities, including recruitment of student-athletes in a National Collegiate Athletic Association--Division III intercollegiate Men's Volleyball program. More details HERE.
Coordinator, Creative Video & Reporter (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Developing, producing, and executing original multimedia content that enhances the visibility and reputation of Army West Point Athletics. More details HERE.
Director, Marketing and Fan Experience, Athletics (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Assists with coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, player development, academic support, & administrative duties while ensuring compliance with KSU, NCAA, & conference regulations. More details HERE.
Coordinator of Intercollegiate Programming (Princeton University / Princeton, NJ): As the primary scheduler, the coordinator issues contracts for varsity contests, serves as game day event ops manager, provides support to Director, and coordinates the use of Teamworks for Athletics. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletic Compliance (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): Manages day-to-day compliance operations for 4 NCAA Division I sports. This role leads the admissions, VISA/ I-20 logistics and initial eligibility certification for all sports. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Cal Poly Athletics is seeking an experienced athletics marketing professional to join our team. More details HERE.
Director of Athletics Eligibility & Institutional Services (Colgate University / Hamilton, NY): A critical role within Colgate Athletics' student-athlete holistic support structure, primarily overseeing athletics eligibility and institutional services supporting the student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Director, Social Media & Digital Content (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Turn moments into movements. Lead Arizona Athletics' social media strategy and digital storytelling to connect, engage, and grow the Wildcat community. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis serves as a key financial contributor responsible for operational execution and analytical oversight of the department's financial activities. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director of Business and Finance (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Manages daily operations and financial impact of sport team activities in assigned area and oversees the coordination of travel for intercollegiate athletics Teams, etc... More details HERE.