Sean Cox and Chris Misson: From Cardinal Alumni to Sports Travel Trailblazers

By: Sam Dobelstein, UofL Class of 25 & Olivia Barclay, UofL Class of 25, 27  

February 9, 2026 

Planning travel for an individual can be time-consuming, from booking flights and securing hotel rooms to arranging ground transportation and navigating a new city. Coordinating those same details for an entire team can quickly become overwhelming. That is where Team Travel Source, a Louisville, Kentucky-based company, steps in. 

Founded by sports event professionals with firsthand industry experience, Team Travel Source offers customized travel and housing coordination for teams, tournaments, and large-scale sporting events across the country. Headquartered in Louisville, the company specializes in streamlining group logistics, negotiating competitive hotel rates, and delivering personalized service that allows coaches, athletes, and event organizers to focus on performance rather than planning. Their local roots, combined with a national reach, enable Team Travel Source to offer a hands-on approach that enhances the overall travel experience. 

While Team Travel Source has established itself as a leader in sports travel coordination, its success is driven by the people behind the scenes. Among those making an impact are two University of Louisville alumni who discovered this unique career path through their academic and experiential learning opportunities. 

Sean Cox moved to Louisville after spending his childhood in Spokane, Washington. As an avid athlete in high school, he developed an interest in pursuing a career in sports. He graduated from the University of Louisville in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration with a minor in Communication. Soon after, he landed an entry-level customer service role with Team Travel Source. A year later, he transitioned to the Sales & Marketing Department, where he started a new role as a Marketing Administrator. This current role allows Cox to better utilize his previous experiences and interest in social media. “Basically, we work behind the scenes to ensure that everything Team Travel Source produces is high quality, both visually and informationally. We want to make sure everything we put out meets the highest possible standard.” 

Originally from New Jersey, Chris Misson attended the University of Louisville while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration with minors in Coaching, Talent Development, and Talent Acquisition. After graduating in May 2024, he joined Team Travel Source as a Guest Experience Specialist. After about a year with the organization, Misson received a promotion and began a new role as Guest Experience Lead, in which he oversees a team of fifteen employees that manage hotel bookings, accommodations, and document processing. 

Cox and Misson’s passion for Team Travel Source is undeniable as they both discuss the positive and fun-filled atmosphere. In fact, creating a positive and fun atmosphere is one of the six core values that are prioritized for new hires at the organization. The two Cardinal alumni insist that Team Travel Source’s core values are not just words on a website; they are the driving force in what makes them love their jobs. A work environment built on personal connections, equal power despite titles, and teamwork sets this employer apart, as it demonstrates a modern approach to viewing employment in a positive light. 

Cox and Misson knew early on that they wanted to work in the sports industry, but they did not have their hearts set on any specific role, function, or job title. They both emphasize the impact that internships had on the shaping of their career goals through exploring the paths they could pursue within sports. These internships cultivated and strengthened the interpersonal, communicative, and simple everyday skills that now benefit them in their current roles. 

Cox supported the Communication Team for Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC during the 2023 soccer season through creative endeavors such as designing social media posts. “My internship was probably one of the most formative experiences for me. I’d never really been in a professional office setting before that. There were a lot of everyday tasks I hadn’t previously had the opportunity to do. Learning how to present myself appropriately and control what I could control are things that will always be important and applicable to any position.” He encourages current UofL students to find internships that allow them to practice the skills of professionalism. 

During his time as an undergraduate student, Misson balanced two experiential learning opportunities in sports. He reported to Kenny Payne as a Student Manager for the University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Team while simultaneously completing a Sales Internship with Racing Louisville FC. “When I became a basketball manager, I feel like it helped me a lot because I was constantly meeting new people… players, coaches, scouts, and sponsors. I always had to present myself well and make sure I held myself accountable, because at the end of the day, how you work is how you’re received.” 

Cox stresses the importance of attending career fairs as an undergraduate student since meeting and connecting with employers can be a huge advantage in the job search process. The opportunity to network with employees and recruiters in person can cause a student to stand out in a field of competitive candidates. Cox can testify to the power of career fairs and networking since he was first introduced to Team Travel Source at a career fair hosted by the University Career Center. In fact, one of the representatives who attended the fair on behalf of Team Travel Source is now Cox’s colleague. “She really embodies our company. She’s super outgoing and friendly, and a great face to meet when you’re being introduced to Team Travel Source. I got to meet her, and we instantly connected.” Cox would never have predicted that a brief but positive interaction at a career fair would result in a full-time job after graduation. He also advocates for the University Career Center’s professional development programming available to current UofL students. He is proud to report that the application materials he developed at a Drop-In Resume Review event secured him his interviews and eventual job offer with Team Travel Source. 

Misson advises current students to prioritize internships or other experiential learning opportunities that expand their personal network. “Everyone I worked with during my internship moved on to different organizations and sports teams, so I’m gaining a whole new spider web of people to connect with.” He notes the importance of interpersonal communication to build strong relationships with a variety of people. “You never know down the road who that person is going to be. It could be a CEO looking to hire someone, so it’s very important to be yourself while growing your network.” Connect with Sean Cox and Chris Misson on LinkedIn to stay updated on their future successes! 

Want to meet the next generation of UofL students who could follow in the footsteps of Sean Cox and Chris Misson? Or know a Cardinal whose story deserves to be shared? Connect with the University Career Center (ulcareer@louisville.edu) to learn how to engage with UofL talent or to recommend a student or employer for a future feature. We look forward to hearing from you.