21 Jan USATF Foundation Supports Collegiate Athletes with Internship Program
MILWAUKEE – The USA Track and Field Foundation is thrilled to announce two new intern staff members who will join the Foundation team in 2020, Alex Cotter and Noah Tagliapietra. Both Cotter and Tagliapietra are student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and bring a fresh perspective as two collegiate athletes currently participating in Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field. While the Foundation does not sponsor athletes directly at the collegiate level, it is excited to be able to support collegiate athletes as interns as they navigate the demands of being a student-athlete. Cotter and Tagliapietra will be assisting with the Foundation’s Elite Athlete Development Program, Youth Grant and ODP Programs.
Cotter is from Madison, Wisconsin and is currently studying Architecture during his Senior year at UW-Milwaukee. His talents in graphic design have had an immediate impact on several Foundation promotional projects. A stand-out athlete from Madison La-Follett high school, which has sent many talented runners to the collegiate level, Alex has continued his success as a Panther receiving many accolades. He participates in Cross Country, but as a true middle-distance runner he excels in the 800 and 1500 meter runs on the track.
“Track and Field has connected me to a culture I will always be a part of. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the community I have been in for the last 8 years. Being able to work with world class athletes and aspiring youth motivates me every day,” stated Cotter.
Tagliapietra is currently a Junior at UW-Milwaukee and is studying to get his undergraduate degree in Human Resources as well as Spanish. He will play a key role in the Foundation’s Youth Grant Program. Tagliapietra participated in Cross Country and Track and Field at Fond du Lac high school and had early success at the collegiate level before sustaining injuries that temporarily set back his running career. As a long-distance runner, Noah enjoys competing in Cross Country and he primarily runs the 5000-meter run on the track.
“Joining the USATF Foundation is an honor because it allows me not only to help those in need, but to do it in a sport that I take great pride in. I look forward to the rewarding work and I am excited to help the Foundation grow in its efforts to provide real, lasting impact to athletes at every level,” stated Tagliapietra.