From the sidelines of Independence High School football games to the boardrooms of professional sports organizations, Independence High School alumna Lacey Mencl continues to demonstrate what it means to cultivate a legacy of excellence.
A member of the Independence High School Class of 2012, Mencl built her foundation for success through a passion for sports, leadership, and service. While attending Independence High School, she served as a manager for the Blue Devils varsity football team, where she assisted with practices, game operations, equipment management, and team support for more than seven years. Mencl was a four-year letterman and captain of the women’s soccer team, and also played basketball and softball. That early involvement in athletics sparked a lifelong interest in the sports industry. While at IHS, Mencl was on the Student Council and was inducted into the National Honors Society. She also enjoyed participating in the choir and Drama Club.
“Independence High School taught me the value of showing up, working hard, and getting involved,” said Mencl. “Whether it was through athletics, academics, or extracurricular activities, I learned how to balance competing responsibilities, work as part of a team, and push myself outside my comfort zone. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and played a significant role in helping me get where I am today.”
Following graduation, Mencl attended Lake Erie College before transferring to Kent State University, where she earned a degree in Sports Administration. During college, she gained valuable hands-on experience as a football intern at Kent State University and worked with organizations including the Cleveland Browns Team Shop. While in law school, Mencl worked in the University of Akron Athletic Department and for the Mid-American Conference. She later earned her Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland State University College of Law, where she served as president of the Entertainment and Sports Law Association.
Mencl’s career quickly advanced through positions with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and several law firms. Most recently, she served as Senior Legal Counsel for the NWSL, providing strategic legal guidance on league operations, player relations, contract negotiations, compliance, and governance. While working for the Cavs right out of college and throughout law school, she received her first, and currently only, championship ring with her name on it in 2016.
In May 2026, Mencl began an exciting new chapter when she joined Haslam Sports Group as Associate Counsel. In her new role, she supports the legal and business operations of some of the region’s most recognizable professional sports organizations, including the Cleveland Browns, Columbus Crew, and the future Columbus NWSL franchise.
While her career has taken her to some of the highest levels of professional sports, Mencl says the foundation for her success was built right here in Independence. “My mom grew up in Independence and taught in the district for 35 years, so I was fortunate to grow up seeing firsthand the impact this community can have on people’s lives,” said Mencl. “The work ethic, resilience, and sense of community that I developed in Independence continues to influence me every day, both personally and professionally. I thank my mom for everything she did to get me where I am today.”
That strong connection to Independence and the example set by her mother helped shape the values that continue to guide Mencl throughout her career. Whether working in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or the legal field, she has remained committed to leadership, service, and creating opportunities for others. For example, throughout her career, Mencl has remained committed to advancing opportunities for women in sports. She recently completed a term as President of WISE Chicago (Women in Sports and Events), an organization dedicated to empowering women across the sports industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Mencl credits the experiences and opportunities she pursued throughout her education and career for helping shape her path. Her story serves as an inspiring example for today’s Blue Devils. Through hard work, leadership, and a willingness to seize opportunities, Mencl has turned her passion for sports into a career at the highest levels of professional athletics.
As Independence Local Schools continue cultivating a legacy of excellence, alumni like Lacey Mencl demonstrate how the lessons learned as Blue Devils can lead to extraordinary achievements far beyond graduation.