United States Air Force Academy Cadets Quinn, Kolle and Kinne help USA Wrestling set new heights on monthly giving

USA Wrestling is elevating its long-standing partnership with the United States Air Force Academy, turning collaboration between coaches, wrestlers, and cadets into a powerful, real-world impact. Together, they are creating “hands-on” experiences in which cadets tackle organizational challenges, sharpen their leadership skills, and deliver innovative solutions. This energized alliance underscores USA Wrestling’s profound respect for the armed forces and for programs like the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which empower elite service members to pursue Olympic glory while serving their country.

In recent years, USA Wrestling and the United States Air Force Academy have supercharged their collaboration with internship opportunities for graduating cadets. Designed especially for management majors, these internships tie directly into the Senior Capstone Consulting course, giving cadets the chance to dive into high-impact projects with local nonprofits. Through this initiative, cadets have driven real change—crafting bold marketing strategies, leading insightful research efforts, and streamlining day-to-day operations. This year, cadets Aidan Quinn, Kaiden Kolle and Zane Kinne are taking it a step further, spearheading backend automation and innovative marketing with a focus on elevating fundraising success.

The Senior Capstone Consulting course at the U.S. Air Force Academy is a year‑long, hands-on project experience where first-class (senior) cadets function as consultants for real clients, often within the Air Force or Department of Defense, and sometimes for private organizations. Cadets apply the methods and theory from their major to analyze an operational or strategic problem, develop data-driven solutions and present recommendations to decision‑makers, mirroring professional consulting engagement.

In programs like operations research and engineering, these capstones are considered the “apex” of the curriculum because they synthesize technical skills, critical thinking, teamwork and communication into one integrated project. Cadets typically work in small teams, meet regularly with faculty advisors and sponsors, produce formal briefings and reports, and often see their work used to improve real Air Force processes or capabilities.

Quinn chose the United States Air Force Academy, inspired by his family's legacy and a drive for purpose beyond himself. His father, a former collegiate wrestler at Washington State University and fighter pilot, fueled his passion for athletics, leadership and aviation. His grandfather's fighter pilot service solidified his military commitment. The Academy challenges him daily, forging readiness to serve a greater mission. A four-year wrestling letterman and team captain from San Mateo, California, he was a standout in football, baseball and pole vaulting. At USAFA, he competes on the lifting team and leads as Cadet-in-Charge of the Fitness Center, directing training and elevating fellow cadets' physical prowess. As Cadet Squadron Commander, he guided 104 cadets across military, academic and athletic domains, embodying service, discipline and leading by example. Grateful for growth as a leader, athlete and future officer, he charges ahead to pursue excellence in service to others and the mission. Aidan is commissioned to Columbus, Miss., for pilot training.

Kolle chose the United States Air Force Academy to dedicate his life to service. Inspired by his mother's work as a home health nurse for the special needs community and his father's role as a high school baseball coach, shaping local youth. He views military service as the ultimate pursuit of a cause greater than oneself. A multi-sport standout in football, basketball, track and field and baseball, he earned four-year letters in high school baseball and the Matt Beveridge Award from the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Houston Astros' Double-A affiliate. At USAFA, he is a four-year starter on the Club Baseball Team, which won the Rocky Mountain Regional Championship in 2023. He also served as Squadron Commander for Basic Cadet Training, mentoring incoming cadets physically and mentally. Kaiden is commissioning into the United States Space Force in May 2026. He eagerly anticipates this next chapter alongside his fiancée, Tavi, and contributing to USA Wrestling's mission.

Kinne chose the United States Air Force Academy, profoundly shaped by family. Growing up with a brother who has severe autism taught him early that life's cards are not dealt evenly. Blessed with a capable body and mind, he embraced a duty to serve society, fueled by deep patriotism. The Academy emerged as the ideal arena to lead and contribute at the highest level. Kinne was a multi-sport standout; he competed in travel baseball, soccer and basketball before honing his skills in high school track and field at the state level. His personal bests—1:55 in the 800m, 4:27 in the 1600m, and 52 seconds in the 400m—reflect relentless drive and precision. At the Academy, he drives physical excellence as a lifting team member and served as Summer Reconditioning Commander. In that role, he led a 50-cadet program, transforming fitness-deficient peers into passing performers through targeted training, mentorship, and accountability. Kaiden is commissioning into the United States Space Force in May 2026.

Monthly giving is one of the most powerful and predictable ways to support an organization, and it is often the easiest way for donors to stay involved over the long term. By spreading contributions out over the year, supporters can make a meaningful impact without needing to make a large one‑time gift, turning manageable monthly amounts into significant annual support.

USA Wrestling’s Monthly Giving Program is built around this idea of steady, reliable support for athlete development, coaching, travel and competition expenses. Recurring gifts help USA Wrestling plan, budget more confidently and respond quickly to opportunities that benefit its athletes. For donors, automatic monthly contributions are convenient, simple to set up, and easy to maintain, removing challenges from the giving process and making it more likely that support continues over time.

Monthly Donors help USA Wrestling consistently produce world-class athletes while nurturing leadership, resilience and determination in the next generation. Those interested in joining the Monthly Giving Program can visit donate.usawrestling.org to start their ongoing support today.