Partners

FOUNDER

Kyle is the founder of GPA and a lifelong advocate for youth sports and education. He started Go Play Africa "GPA" during his senior year of college at Texas A&M University while on a humanitarian trip to Arusha Tanzania. Since founding GPA the organization has funded multiple schools in East Africa with sports equipment and school supplies to further promote education and the tremendous values sports instills in young men and women.

SOCIAL OUTREACH DIRECTOR

Cole Farine graduated from Texas A&M University's Maritime Academy in 2018, earning a BS in Marine Transportation. Alongside his academic pursuits, Cole dedicated his time to volunteer work, serving as a Youth Group Leader at Clear Creek Community Church and assuming leadership roles within the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During his time at A&M, he held the position of Corps Commander for Texas A&M Maritime Academy's Corps of Cadets from 2017 to 2018. Following graduation, Cole embarked on a career with G&H Towing Co., where he currently holds the rank of Captain on Ship-Assist Harbor Tugs operating within the Ports of Houston & Galveston, TX. Additionally, he remains an active member of Houston's First Baptist Church.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR

Cole Manders graduated from Texas A&M University’s Texas Maritime Academy in 2017 with a BS in Marine Transportation and USCG Third Mate’s license. He sailed with Overseas Shipholding Group in the coastwise Jones Act tanker trade for two years prior to joining bp America in their Trading & Shipping business, where he spent three years as a Ship Operator. In 2022, Cole accepted the role of Government Affairs and Advocacy Advisor with bp’s Communications & External Affairs team based in DC where he’s currently located.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Jennifer has a long history of volunteer work, with a focus on issues related to families and children. She has been involved in Junior League and National Charity League and serves as an advisor and mentor for Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Since Africa is a special place for her family, getting involved in Go Play Africa was an obvious choice. Professionally, she is a Sustainability and Public Policy Communications Advisor with a background in journalism. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people and trying new restaurants – sometimes all at the same time.