SIUE Alumni Spotlight: From Cougar Pitcher turned Professional Athlete and Community Leader, Cole Milam Continues to Give Back

SIUE Alumni Spotlight: From Cougar Pitcher turned Professional Athlete and Community Leader, Cole Milam Continues to Give Back

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Cole Milam, CFP, MBA, ('20, '24), has built an impressive career defined by determination, discipline, and a drive to help others succeed. A former standout pitcher for SIUE Baseball, Milam's journey from the Cougar mound to professional baseball and now to successful entrepreneur and wealth planner exemplifies SIUE's mission of shaping leaders who make a lasting impact.

Milam's time at SIUE was marked by both athletic and academic achievement. After transferring from Jefferson College, where he earned an associate degree in mathematics, Milam quickly became a key contributor to the Cougars' pitching staff. During his tenure with the Cougars Milam contributed an impressive 65 strikeouts in 34 innings. In his final season, Milam posted a 3.24 ERA and earned a win on opening day after two scoreless innings against Nicholls State.

Those performances did not go unnoticed following the 2020 season; Milam signed as an undrafted free agent with the Boston Red Sox, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professional baseball.

Reflecting on his time as a Cougar, Milam shared, "My time as an athlete at SIUE taught me how to work hard and compete in every aspect of life. Our coaches constantly reminded us that what you do off the field is just as important as what you do on it. Whether it was coming in for a save opportunity during a conference game or grinding through assignments during study hours, every moment mattered. They also never let us forget why we were there; the game is supposed to be fun. As intense as things could get on the field, at the end of the day, you're playing the game you love alongside your best friends. Some of my favorite memories and closest friendships were built during my time as a Cougar."

After his time with the Boston Red Sox, Milam redirected his drive toward another passion: financial planning and business leadership. Building upon his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from SIUE and later his MBA with a focus in Business Analytics, Milam transitioned into the financial services industry.

He joined Gatewood Wealth Solutions in St. Louis, where his dedication and leadership quickly propelled him from wealth coordinator to wealth planner within just two years, making him the first in the firm's history to achieve that advancement. Today, Milam manages the department of wealth planners, while creating and managing personalized financial plans to help clients align their family's personal and financial goals.

Reflecting on how his education prepared him for this success, Milam shared: "SIUE gave me a strong foundation for a career in wealth management and for running a small business. The curriculum exposed me to a broad range of subjects-from technical financial analysis to finer professional details, like proper business dining etiquette. My master's program expanded on that foundation by helping me learn how to strategically position Maximized Pitching Lab (MPL) and provide greater value to Gatewood's business owner clients."

Milam added, "Overall, my time at SIUE opened several paths for professional and personal growth that continue to shape my career today."

While Milam has found tremendous success in the world of finance, his love for baseball never left. Combining his experience as a professional athlete, coach, and business professional, Milam co-founded MPL located in Wood River just under 10 minutes away from SIUE's Campus.

At MPL, Milam applies his analytical and performance-driven mindset to athlete development, using advanced motion capture technology, biomechanics analysis, and individualized training plans to help athletes succeed.

"I never would have had the opportunity to play baseball at a high level without people who invested in my personal development. Our goal is to help athletes grow into great people-both on and off the field. This program is our way of giving back to the game, supporting local communities, and serving as a positive influence for the next generation of players."

Milam's success as a student-athlete, business professional, and local business owner reflects SIUE's commitment to cultivating well-rounded leaders. His dual achievements in finance and athletics demonstrate how Cougar graduates continue to make a difference in their industries and communities.

"SIUE helped shape the way I approach every challenge; with discipline, purpose, and focus on making a difference. Whether it's helping a client reach their goals or helping a young athlete chase theirs, the mindset I developed as a Cougar carries over to everything I do."

PHOTOS: Cole Milam, CFP, MBA; Milam on Boston Red Sox roster; Milam during Cougars Baseball days