Matan Coll (Mgmt’25)
Faces of Leeds Snapshot
Name: Matan Coll
Major: Operations Management Major and Sports Media Minor
Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
From the moment he began looking at colleges, knew he wanted a place “where life outside the classroom is part of the education, not a distraction from it.” That vision led him to CU ý and Leeds—and this winter, that belief was affirmed more powerfully than ever. After graduating in December, Coll traveled to Milan to pursue an adventure of a lifetime—joining NBC’s team as a press runner at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
In Milan, he learned frompeople from all over the world, but what stayed with him most was the human connection at the center of the global event. “The opportunity to spend a month in Italy, experience a new culture, and be part of the excitement and scale of the Olympic Games is something I’m incredibly grateful for.” The experience not only broadened his worldview; it also validated the hard work he had invested in his career.
Coll’s journey began as a high school senior when he took a chance and sent a cold Instagram message to Curtis Snyder, associate athletic director for communications at CU ý. Snyder responded within 15 minutes. "He spent nearly two hours showing me around campus, introducing me to people in the office, and encouraging me to get involved.”
From there, Coll’s camera took him to remarkable places—from the World Cup to March Madness. As a first-year intern with the CU Athletics Creative Team, he documented the CU Ski Team’s national championship run and helped grow their social media following from 3,000 to more than 11,000. He even visited the White House, where he received a championship ring engraved with his name.
Looking back, Coll encourages students to avoid slipping into what he calls the grind mentality. “Being intentional about unplugging and enjoying life is just as important [as academics],” he emphasized.
His journey underscores a key lesson: trust your instincts and dare to be seen.
Putting yourself out there can completely change your trajectory. You have everything to gain and almost nothing to lose.
