Mackenzie Cole: The Quiet Force Behind the Play

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, Mackenzie Cole is proof that quiet grace still turns heads. She’s the kind of woman whose calm presence fills a room before she ever says a word as a modern-day Grace Kelly with the grounded spirit of an athlete and the heart of a coach.

When we first met Mackenzie on set for NFM’s Women of Style & Game shoot, she arrived fresh-faced and kind, carrying herself with the effortless elegance that only authenticity can give. At first, she seemed a little shy in front of the camera. A gentle contrast to her fiancé, Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo, whose outgoing charm has made him a fan favorite. But the irony? The camera absolutely adores her. Frame after frame, Mackenzie’s quiet poise translated into something magnetic. A sweet reminder that beauty isn’t about performance; it’s about presence.

Photo by Zero Five Photography; styling assistance by Polly Cocilobo

“I’m grounded in gratitude and I lead with gratitude."

From Volleyball Royalty to the Coaching Chair

Before stepping into her current chapter, Mackenzie had already carved out a remarkable collegiate career. A decorated athlete, she was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, earned multiple All-ACC Second Team honors, and became one of Duke University’s all-time leaders in digs. A testament to her discipline, vision, and unshakable drive.

Her path then led her west to UCLA, where she continued to excel on the court while pursuing her Master’s in Education through the prestigious Transformative Coaching and Leadership program. Under mentors like Coach Sue Enquist and the late Coach John Wooden’s teaching philosophy, Mackenzie discovered what would become her leadership mantra: “Grounded in gratitude.”

“I’m grounded in gratitude and I lead with gratitude,” she once said, echoing a wisdom well beyond her years. One that clearly carries into her coaching, her relationships, and her life.

At Duke, she quickly transitioned from standout player to assistant coach, mentoring a new generation of athletes with empathy and insight. “Make every day your masterpiece,” she quoted Wooden, a reminder that excellence is built moment by moment, not all at once.

Love, Legacy, and New Beginnings

In the summer of 2024, just before Jake headed into training camp with the Seattle Seahawks, he proposed with the simple but powerful words: “It was always you.” The two met years earlier at Duke, shared a move to UCLA, and have been growing together ever since, on and off the court.

The couple will marry next June in Boston, surrounded by their families, friends, and the community that watched their love story unfold from college halls to NFL sidelines.

While Mackenzie has since stepped away from her assistant coaching position to explore new opportunities, it’s clear she’s far from slowing down. Whether she’s supporting Jake through the highs and lows of professional football or carving out her next chapter in sports leadership, she remains that rare blend of drive and grace. Proof that true strength whispers.

A Style of Her Own

Off the court, Mackenzie’s style mirrors her personality: low-key, timeless, and elegant with a touch of coastal ease. She gravitates toward clean lines, soft palettes, and subtle statement pieces that say more by saying less. In person, she’s approachable and kind. The kind of woman who makes others feel at ease, even when she’s one of the most accomplished people in the room.

At the Women of Style & Game shoot, it wasn’t just her natural beauty that caught our eye, but her presence. Mackenzie Cole doesn’t need to command attention. She earns it by simply being herself.

NFM Note:

As she and Jake prepare for their wedding and another exciting Seahawks season, we’re cheering them on. Not just as a beloved sports couple, but as two individuals rewriting what partnership looks like in the modern era: grounded, grateful, and gracefully unstoppable.