Funding support to a specific athlete is generally not tax-deductible.
Contact us to learn about tax-deductible options.

Cole's story has a different path than nearly any other elite runner you will find. From the shores of Charleston, SC, Cole attended Academic Magnet High School where he was an all-state soccer player. He attended High Point University in North Carolina where he was an immediate starter and impact midfielder, all while earning a degree in Communications & Journalism with a minor in French. Until his fifth year at High Point, Cole had aspirations to make a run at a professional career in soccer. At the ripe age of 22, and while earning an M.B.A., Cole changed gears and never looked back. In one year, he was already down to a 14:34 5k, and within two years, a 29:20 10k. At this point, Cole was hooked. Since that time, he has had his sights squarely on the 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon, however due to recent injury, his plans have been put on hold, but he remains thirsty for success on the world's largest stages.

When Cole wasn't logging the miles for ZAP Fitness and Reebok, he worked full time for the High Country Soccer Association in Boone, NC as a Technical Director. He holds a passion for coaching youth soccer players and impacting their lives positively.

In 2016, Cole left ZAP Fitness to take a job with the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy in Greenville, SC. On his success in running but keeping closely tied with the soccer community, Cole says, "I think I am unique because of my background and current lifestyle. How many elite runners train for a professional group but also coach professionally in another sport entirely? I love the balance it gives my life."

In September 2015, Cole married elite marathoner Esther Erb (now Atkins) at a small ceremony in Blowing Rock, NC. He and Esther met when they both joined ZAP in 2010 and began dating in 2011.