In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Ali Cox—a former Olympian in rowing turned successful marketing entrepreneur. From her unexpected start as a collegiate walk-on to competing on the world stage, Ali shares the incredible journey that led her to founding Noble West, a firm that merges her passion for agriculture with her leadership and branding expertise.

Ali opens up about how the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness gained through sports became the foundation for her business success. She offers candid insights into the challenges athletes face when their playing days are over—and how building relationships, staying curious, and trusting the process can create a meaningful path forward.

Together, Rob and Ali explore the importance of networking, mentorship, and preparing athletes for life after sports. It’s a conversation that’s both inspiring and practical—perfect for athletes at any stage of transition who are ready to discover what’s possible beyond the game.

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🔑 Key Takeaways:

- From Walk-On to Olympian: Ali’s journey is proof that with drive and vision, anything is possible.

- Sports Build Leadership: Teamwork, resilience, and communication translate directly into business success.

- The Transition is Real: Leaving sports behind is tough—mentorship and self-education can ease the journey.

- Networking Opens Doors: Building authentic relationships during your athletic career pays off down the road.

- Mentorship is Growing: Today’s athletes have more resources than ever to connect with guides and role models.

- Self-Education Fuels Growth: Life beyond sports requires learning, adapting, and embracing new challenges.

- Employers Value Athletes: Pressure-tested and team-minded—athletes bring unique strengths to the table.

- Noble West is Mission-Driven: Ali’s passion for agriculture shaped her entrepreneurial path and purpose.

- Trust the Process: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your vision and growth.

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👤 About Ali Cox:

Ali Cox is a U.S. Olympian in rowing and the founder of Noble West, a California-based marketing firm focused on supporting the agriculture industry. Her unique blend of athletic grit and creative leadership drives her mission to tell authentic, impactful stories through branding and strategy. Ali’s journey continues to inspire athletes transitioning into new chapters of their lives.

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🤝 Connect with Ali Cox:

- Website: [https://noblewest.com](https://noblewest.com/)

- Instagram: [@noblewestco](https://www.instagram.com/noblewestco)

LikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicox/

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🔗 Connect with Us:

Follow Alumni Direct for more stories, resources, and tools to help athletes transition into the next phase of life:

📸 Instagram: [@AlumniDirect](https://www.instagram.com/alumnidirect)

💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect)

📘 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://www.facebook.com/alumnidirect)

If you're an athlete preparing for what’s next—or supporting one who is—this episode is packed with actionable insights and encouragement. Share it with teammates, coaches, and your network—because together, we can build a stronger future for athletes everywhere.