Our Alumni Spotlight series will be an ongoing feature, highlighting former student-athletes and catching up on where their journeys have taken them after graduation. Noël Couch, former Georgia Gymnastics student-athlete, graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Digital and Broadcast Journalism as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs. She later completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2018.
Can you tell us about your current career and what you are doing now?
My career has included a variety of unique experiences. After graduating from the University of Georgia with dual degrees in digital and broadcast journalism and international affairs, I worked for the American Junior Golf Association in a role that took me to the West Coast for several months, managing communications for youth golf tournaments. I then spent time as an editorial assistant in New York City before returning to Athens for law school. After earning my law degree from UGA, I pursued a career in college athletics. I served as director of compliance at Sacred Heart University and later as a championship manager at the NCAA. Most summers, I found time to return to Athens to work Gymdog camp. I am currently an attorney with Freeman Mathis & Gary in the firm’s Boston office and am licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and Georgia. I was selected to attend the firm’s Trial Academy in March and look forward to honing my skills during the week-long training in Atlanta. Community service was an important value instilled in me during my time as a student-athlete at UGA, and I continue to serve my community today. In Boston, I volunteer at my local Catholic church as a lector and serve meals to those in need. I am also a board member of the UGA Alumni Boston Chapter.
How did your experience as a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?
My experience as a student-athlete at Georgia instilled in me an unparalleled work ethic and a commitment to integrity beyond reproach. It is a reputation that speaks for itself and walks in the door before I do. As a student-athlete at UGA, each day had a purpose. Success on the competition floor and in the classroom depended on doing ordinary tasks extraordinarily well. Alongside my teammates, I learned the value of togetherness and the greatness that can be achieved when we all perform at our best.
What was the most important lesson you learned from balancing academics, athletics, and personal life during college?
Early in my career, I recognized the value of getting involved in different aspects of campus life beyond my athletic and academic endeavors. I served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Dean of Students Advisory Board, both of which allowed me to connect with student-athletes and other students across campus to engage in thoughtful conversations and problem-solving. I supported my fellow student-athletes at their games, matches, and competitions and volunteered at local community events. During my senior year, I even had the incredible opportunity to serve on the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors. It was certainly a balancing act, but I learned that living an engaged and well-rounded lifestyle contributed to my enthusiasm and happiness as a student-athlete.
What’s one thing you wish you had known about life after sports before you graduated?
I wish someone had told me that these life skills are no joke! I would have wanted to know that life after sports would mean learning many of the basic skills I inadvertently missed while I was busy training, studying, and competing. It was an advantage—and necessary for success—to have a predetermined schedule, readily available meals, an apartment-like dorm without monthly rent, tutors for any challenging equation, teammates who also served as friends, and an incredible support system. However, that made it even more challenging to figure out life without that structure. We used to think the dining hall being closed on Sunday nights was a challenge, but that was nothing compared to figuring out dinner every night in life after sports!
Looking back, what advice would you give to current student-athletes who are trying to navigate life after college and sports?
The advice I would give to current student-athletes transitioning to life after UGA is to continue—just as you do now in your sport and studies—to approach ordinary tasks with extraordinary work ethic and enthusiasm. Decisions about life after college and sports can feel confusing, overwhelming, and all-consuming. I remember! But you don’t have to anticipate every outcome. Instead, focus on making the next choice—no matter how big or small—one that is in your best interest right now. I still remind myself of that! In short: Be where your feet are and bloom where you are planted.
When you think about your time as a Bulldog, what is one moment that stands out the most?
There are two—the bookend moments of my Gymdog career. In January 2010, in my first year, my first college meet, the first meet of the season, on the first event, I was first up in the lineup. I competed a Yurchenko full twist on vault and stuck my landing! My teammates celebrated with me, and the crowd was on their feet. Then in May 2013, in my final year, my final college meet, and the final meet of the season at nationals, I was one of the last competitors to leave the arena. Once again, my teammates were there to celebrate with me, but this time, so were a few Star Wars characters. You’ll have to watch the video to understand why this moment stands out! Watch here.
