As both a fierce competitor and a loyal fan, there is no doubt that sports play a big part in Cole Sydnor’s life. Cole was an avid lacrosse and basketball player who enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities as well.
In 2011, Cole dove into the James River and broke a vertebrae in his neck against a rock, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Cole has not played lacrosse or hoops since, but his mother reminded him that one’s character is what truly makes a person.
“Your body is merely a vessel. What is important is that you have a heart, a brain and a soul and that is what is beautiful about you.”
Cole has since graduated with honors from Atlee High School and has entered his senior year at the University of Richmond.
“I’m still alive. I still have my brain. I’m still myself.”
Family and friends provided Cole with tremendous support upon his accident. While Cole was recuperating, family, friends, and even strangers helped renovate his house to include an elevator.
Cole, in turn, plays his part by reaching out to the community, sharing his story and spreading the dangers of diving among school groups. “I might be able to do more,” he shares. “Because I have a platform and I am able to reach people to make a difference.”
Furthermore, Cole is currently working on establishing his non-profit organization, Role for Cole, which aims towards promoting a healthy lifestyle. “There is only one option in my mind,” says Cole. “You’ve got to keep going.”
And like a true sportsman, Cole adopts a winning attitude in everything he does. “As soon as you get hit with something hard in life, that is when you grow in life,” he says.
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