cole kinney

The only thing Cole Kinney and I had in common in high school was economics. Our paths only merged for fifty minutes in the classroom at the back of the hallway, and our differing social circles and graduating years would’ve made for an unlikely friendship.

However, a year later, when a handful of lively upperclassmen blended into a chaotic and humorous posse, our lives at school became like our very own sitcom. The unscripted hijinx were often limited to a thirty-minute lunch break in the journalism pressroom or in a packed Jeep cruising on Friday afternoons. Wherever Jack Harlow could be heard, there we were also.

In pure serendipitous fashion, the highlight of high school was born. Along with it, an extensive archive of cherished teenage memories. Effortlessly living in the present led to a joy that can only come from pure friendship.

“What made our friend group super fun is that we had no expectations for each other,” Cole said. “We just enjoyed each other’s company. I take that into consideration with my friend groups. Just hanging out with someone and having a good time.”

Although Cole isn’t a fan of change, he’s no stranger to it either. Born in Boston, Cole’s family moved to Columbus before settling in Michigan

when he was nine years old. However, transitioning from a hustling city to “small town USA” would prove to be far from seamless growing up.

Even back then, it was his fourth grade acquaintances that acted as welcomed support during an era of uncertainty.

“When I was in Ohio, I was outgoing and personable,” he said. “When I moved here, it changed because I was in a new setting. I didn’t really know where I fit in, and I think that’s something that sparked some of my introvertedness.”

Cole would eventually rediscover his fun-loving personality and along with it, a new perspective on faith. This originated from our bunch’s weekly visits to youth group, inspiring Cole to view a relationship with God in a more personal way by influencing his presence on the soccer field.

“I would always say a prayer before a game to give myself and my teammates strength,” he said. “I think it gave me more confidence knowing that God was by my side and listening to anything I had to say.”

Throughout the years, Cole has discovered a lot about himself through his game. His natural matter-of-fact determination would prove to be a secret weapon, but only with time and effort.

“I remember in middle school when I was playing soccer I had no confidence,” Cole said. “It was rock bottom. If I messed up, I was done for the rest of the game. Like, it was over. Finally, it clicked. I just started to believe in myself.”

This upfront assurance might’ve manifested itself during the games, but it originated from the sidelines. Between coaches and family members, various voices of encouragement stuck with Cole. He was just as capable as any other member on the team.

Now, Cole is continuing his athletic prowess at Endicott College, not only in pursuit of the sport that he holds so dear, but also to return to his roots near Boston.

When he’s not on the field, Cole’s extrovertedness shines during the day-to-day, whether it be through school or work. He’s a straight shooter, and this candid honesty influences his interactions with others.

“It’s important to be uplifting and positive in life,” he said. “You don’t know what other people have been through, and if you can be the light in their world, that’s important.”

In his final year of high school, Cole worked to blend his upfrontness with his passion for sports through journalism. He carried the rest of the friend group’s journalistic legacy from the year prior by being a columnist on staff, sharing his take on the latest in sports.

One of Cole’s favorite pieces was about the World Cup,  in which he commented on the various controversies attached to the event. In addressing the various human rights issues, he felt a sense of purpose upon completing it.

Although Cole doesn’t naturally gravitate toward writing as a means of expressing himself, he found this experience to be eye-opening. Not only did it challenge his abilities, but it also gave him purpose in using his voice to shed light on subjects that connected with him. Writing was the outlet that exposed the rest of the student body to another student athlete’s perspective.

Now, as he reminisces on his high school years, he carries many lessons and accomplishments with him. With a new life change upon him, Cole’s inherit assurance rings truer than ever before.

“I can say I’m very fortunate and blessed to be able to live the life that I’ve lived,” Cole said. “I credit that to my friends and family for guiding me through life and helping me figure out who I am… I think I’ve lived a well-lived life.”