In 2024, Unkel was appointed President and General Manager of Tampa Bay Sun FC. In 2024, Unkel partnered with former U.S. Women’s National Team player
Lori Lindsey to launch The Soccer Podcast USA, a show focused on the future of women’s soccer. The show is available on major platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Unkel is a former FIFA referee, serving internationally and in professional domestic leagues in the United States. She later served as State Referee Administrator for the Florida State Referee Committee. Unkel is also a soccer analyst, providing expert commentary for broadcasters including
FOX Sports,
CBS Sports,
ESPN, and
ITV during tournaments such as the
FIFA Women’s World Cup,
UEFA Champions League, and
UEFA Euro 2024. In June 2024, she was employed by British television broadcaster
ITV as a refereeing and rules expert for the coverage of the
UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. Unkel began her career in soccer as a referee, becoming one of the youngest FIFA-certified officials in the world, and officiated at the highest levels of the sport, including international tournaments and professional leagues, before shifting into leadership and media roles. Before transitioning into sports executive leadership, Unkel worked as a litigation attorney and sports law expert, advising on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters in the athletic and media sectors. In addition to her executive role in professional soccer, Unkel is the founder of SPARQ Consulting, where she advises athletes, organizations, and media entities on sports governance, ethics, and leadership. She has served on multiple advisory boards and leadership councils, including Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Tampa Bay. Unkel is a public speaker, delivering keynotes and panels on topics ranging from sports leadership and legal ethics to gender equity and entrepreneurship at conferences including TEDxUSFSM, the Women’s Conference of Florida, WISE Tampa Bay, and events hosted by the Latin Chamber of Commerce. ==Personal life==