Faculty Focus - Cole McKeel
By Skyler Smith
Cole pictured at the USA vs. Russian Olympic Committee hockey game during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are in full swing, so let’s take a moment to highlight our very
own Cole McKeel. Cole is an adjunct faculty member for CBSM’s sport and recreation business program and an inspiring individual.
From 2016 to 2020, Cole worked as the business development manager for the United
States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. He was in charge of generating outside revenue
for the Olympic and Paralympic Training Centers in Colorado and New York. Before the
USOPC, Cole was a marketing and media assistant and the diversity and inclusion champion
for USA Bobsled & Skeleton, where he was responsible for partnerships with BMW and
Under Armour.
"I am extremely fortunate to have spent nearly my entire professional life in the
Olympic & Paralympic movements,” Cole said. “From traveling the world (54 countries
and counting) to working with some of the best athletes in the world to meeting friends
from different backgrounds, nations and cultures, the Olympic & Paralympic space has
given me endless, unforgettable moments."
Cole graduated with honors and a bachelor's degree in sports administration, finance,
and marketing. After graduation, he pursued an MBA with a concentration in finance.
He also received a Master of Science, Olympic Studies, Olympic Education and Organization
and Management of Olympic Events from the International Olympic Academy and the University
of Peloponnese in Olympia, Greece!
Cole at the top of the bobsled track during the two-women’s competition at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games
A two-time graduate of the University of Louisville, Cole poses alongside two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Angel McCoughtry, at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games
Cole currently serves as the vice president of GoEmpire Group, a professional basketball
athlete representation firm located in Chicago. He is responsible for international
operations, including client recruiting and relations, and ensuring clients' continued
satisfaction. He also serves as the director of partnerships with the Huddle Up Group,
a consulting firm in the sports tourism industry.
During Cole’s down time, he practices his fluency in French and has set himself a
goal to read at least one book each month, as well as listen to one book each month.
Cole shared the following advice to students:
"There is no linear path to success. Whatever your passion is in life, find a way
to make it your career. Volunteer every chance you get. Take the time to build your
network by reaching out to people that have the positions you are hopeful to get one
day. Everyone in this industry has relied on the help of others to get to where they
are today. Don't be too prideful to ask for help. Most importantly, learn from every
single experience. Don't ever stop learning."
Cole pictured in the athlete village at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, alongside friends from Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile, El Salvador and France.
Cole at the women’s downhill alpine skiing event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games