Sportzwire’s Wired Athlete of the Week: Scranton Prep's Cole Powell

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | October 27, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire

Sportzwire’s Wired Athlete of the Week: Cole Powell - Powered by Envy Electrical

Scranton Prep sophomore Cole Powell has been named Sportzwire’s Wired Athlete of the Week, and it’s easy to see why. Golf may be his only sport, but his passion, precision, and persistence on the course have made him one of the area’s rising young stars.

Cole’s journey began early, very early. “My dad had me start golfing when I was around four years old because it was a game he enjoyed playing,” Cole shared.

By age 10, he was already competing in U.S. Kids an east coast tournament, gaining valuable experience against talented young golfers. After a short break, he returned with renewed focus, joining tournaments such as, Lehigh Valley and Hurricane Golf, which marked the start of his more competitive phase.

“At first, it was just about having fun,” Cole said. “Now that I’m older, I’m taking it more seriously and it’s pretty competitive now.”

That competitive mindset has paid off. Between eighth and ninth grade, Cole captured the Tournament of Champions title, run by GAP, a two-day event that helped solidify his growing reputation.

The summer before his sophomore year, he continued his hot streak by taking first place in the U.S. Kids Teen Series. Earlier this spring, Cole qualified for and competed in the USWING MOJING Junior World Tournament, facing golfers from nearly 50 countries. Though he finished mid-pack, the global experience was invaluable.

During Scranton Prep’s most recent golf season, Cole’s progression was evident. “I got off to a slow start, but as the season went on, I started gaining momentum,” he said. That momentum fueled a dream year for both Cole and his team. Scranton Prep went undefeated, winning districts and states . “It was super fun. The team did great all year; we didn’t lose a single match.”

Individually, Cole was equally outstanding. At Districts, held at Fox Hill Country Club, he shot a 73, tying for fourth and earning his ticket to the state tournament.

At States, on the Penn State White Course, he put together two phenomenal rounds, finishing with a two-day total of -7 to capture first place individually, the first Scranton Prep golfer ever to do so.

Cole credits much of his success to his support system. “My dad pretty much got me to where I am, and my mom with her loving support,” he said. “My dad also helped me get a great coach, Alex Knoll. We’ve built a strong relationship, and he’s really helped me improve my game.”

Scranton Prep coach Christi Dorece echoed those sentiments, praising Cole for both his skill and his character. She describes him as a true team player, respectful, dedicated, and driven.

“He’s played solid all year and continues to improve every round,” Dorece said. “Cole’s always smiling and ready to go get another birdie. He makes a lot of them and if he makes a mistake, he bounces right back.”

This season, Cole has also been adjusting to a recent growth spurt, something that can challenge even the most seasoned golfers. But Dorece notes that his maturity and mindset have helped him adapt and keep progressing.

Off the course, Cole maintains honor roll status at Scranton Prep and has his eyes on a future in possibly finance or engineering. When time allows, he also finds ways to give back through local volunteering, a reflection of the same focus and generosity he shows on the course.

From a four-year-old swinging a club alongside his dad to a state champion representing Scranton Prep with pride, Cole Powell’s journey is far from over. With his talent, humility, and work ethic, there’s no doubt his best golf is still ahead.

Congratulations to Cole Powell, Sportzwire’s Wired Athlete of the Week, proudly sponsored by Envy Electrical.

Do you know an outstanding student athlete making their mark in the classroom and community?  Nominations are always open for our next 'Wired' Athlete of the Week!

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