Aaron Hernandez was named director of the National Sports Law Institute in March and began in his role in August. The Marquette University Law School alumnus and former executive director of the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business Program at Arizona State University took a few minutes to talk with Marquette Today about his love of sports and psychology, his frequent trips to Australia, what he learned as an investigator at the NCAA, and more.
Hometown: El Paso, Texas.
Tell us about your family: Mom and dad still live in El Paso — in the home I grew up in! My little brother also works in athletics, serving as an NCAA compliance officer for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Mom is a retired teacher and dad just recently retired after nearly 30 years with NASA! My nana also lives in El Paso. She just turned 96 in July and still lives on her own!
What are your favorite hobbies and interests?
I am a big sports fan, particularly of football. It was my original hobby growing up, and I never really seemed to shake it. Outside of sports, I love reading about psychology — particularly the psychology of happiness, traveling to different places, space, aviation, whiskey, cigars and I am a big foodie.
What are your favorite movies?
“Interstellar,” “The Matrix,” “Star Wars” films (this deserves another category), “Terminator 2,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Dark Knight,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Stepbrothers,” “Cloud Atlas,” “Independence Day.”
Who are/is your hero(es)?
I thought a lot about this one. It is still in progress.
Any favorite quotes/mottos?
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What are you currently reading?
“Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.
Any favorite vacation spots?
Australia has been my favorite country to visit — particularly Melbourne. Also, if you have not been to Banff in Alberta yet, you have to go. The natural beauty is breathtaking.
What was your biggest career learning experience?
When I was an investigator at the NCAA, I had to ask people tough questions, and there were always some assumptions about the witness going into an interview. Some of the stories that these folks shared — including victims of sexual assault — were eye-opening and added a layer of color to their story that you really could never anticipate. Similarly, when I was the executive director at the Sports Law and Business Program at Arizona State, students would share heart-wrenching parts of their life that would usually explain poor performance or a change in character. That is all to say, I have learned to make far fewer assumptions about people and ask way more about how they are doing. Ask how people are doing and mean it — it could change a life!
Any fun facts people should know about you?
I was the drum major for the Notre Dame Marching Band. I have traveled to Australia four times in the last seven years. I have slept in 45 of the 50 United States. I was the NCAA investigator who broke the Baylor case in 2016. I have officiated two weddings and have two more on the calendar over the next eight months. I was the first openly gay college football administrator in 2018. I have an NCAA National Championship ring from the 2024 Sun Devil men’s swim team. I am a Marquette Law School grad and am glad to be back!
What most excites you about being at Marquette?
The National Sports Law Institute is the standard-bearer in the sports law industry, and it is the reason I chose Marquette for law school. It is also the reason I came back! Starting off though, I am so excited about the people here. Dean Joe Kearney, President Kimo Ah Yun, Provost Debbie Tahmassebi, and Chief Marketing and Communication Officer Lynn Griffith (among others) have all been so welcoming to me and have helped make the transition into the new role a much warmer one. Their direct reports are extensions of how they treat people, and that makes me really excited to be part of this community. Together, we are all going to raise Marquette to new heights!
