Cole Cusumano is a reporter with a bachelor’s degrees in sports journalism and an associate’s degree in automotive technologies.
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Cole Cusumano | Sports Journalist
About Me
Cole Cusumano is an established sports journalist within the motorsports world with experience covering a variety of other sports, as well as film and television. His associate’s degree in automotive technologies has aided in him becoming a more knowledgable motorsports reporter, while his tenure at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication groomed him into a versatile and well-rounded professional with the culmination of a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism.
Cole is currently the motorsports reporter for The Arizona Republic and AZ Central, which features a circulation of an estimated 321,600 to the greater Phoenix area.
Cole’s unrelenting work ethic and fast-paced (yet thorough) way of operating is a byproduct of his Italian upbringing and early-to-adolescent years spent living in New York. Praised by professors and employers for his innate attention to detail and unique voice, the 28-year-old continues his quest to reel in new audiences by scribing fresh and creative stories.
Focusing predominantly on motorsports, Cole has been traveling out of pocket across the U.S. with the NASCAR circuit for over five years, providing coverage for all three National Series and forming many professional relationships within the industry. Some of his works have been featured on Jayski, Cronkite News and the official site of Cup Series driver William Byron. He’s also had stories published by Arizona PBS for his live “Antiques Roadshow” coverage and AZPreps365, where he served as a beat reporter for the 2019 Arizona State Champion Hamilton High varsity baseball team.
In an attempt to hone his craft, Cole has proven his dedication to journalism by becoming proficient in Adobe Premier Pro, Photoshop, Audition, Illustrator and After Effects to create a multitude of mediums for social media and employers.
Current Roles & Employment
Motorsports Reporter
Staff Writer, Content Creator
Staff Writer, Content Creator
Co-Host, Content Creator, Audio Engineer
Past Experiences
Digital Reporter for Cronkite News (2020-2020)
In his final year at the Cronkite School, Cole was enrolled in the university’s professional program and worked in the Phoenix Sports Bureau as a beat reporter for NASCAR and the Arizona Diamondbacks . He provided written features and profiles that were published by Cronkite News and picked up by numerous other outlets.
Reporter for AZPreps365 (2019-2020)
Cole served as a beat reporter for the Hamilton High School varsity baseball team during the 2019-20 season in which they won the Arizona State Championship. During this time, had written features, profiles, and post-game stories published by AZPreps365. He also shot a video profile feature for Cronkite News.
Reporter for Arizona PBS & The Cronkite Journal (2019-2020)
During his time at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Cole wrote profiles, features and numerous stories for the college’s widely distributed magazine. Additionally, he worked closely with Arizona PBS and had an article featured in digital and print following his coverage of the hit television show Antiques Roadshow when they filmed in Phoenix.
Reporter for Pit Notes at Phoenix Raceway (2018-2018)
Seeking to break into the industry that initially inspired Cole to seek a career in automotive, he worked as a reporter for Phoenix Raceway’s in-track publication, Pit Notes, before it was discontinued. He would help create race reports and serve as a pit road reporter, while interviewing athletes across all three NASCAR National Series and forming many relationships within the racing world. This would serve as a springboard, enabling him to secure his current role with News from the Pits.
Writer for Silver Screen Beat (2016-2018)
After obtaining an associate’s degree in automotive technologies, Cole found his calling in writing while attending his third year of college. He got his start by blending his love for pop culture with his newfound desired profession in composing weekly columns, reviews and observations for the online news source, Silver Screen Beat.
Cole Cusumano 