From Players to Parents to Patrons of Team USA
Whether they’re reminiscing on their playing days, cheering from the stands as they watch their own children compete or supporting the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Team USA, athletics remain at the center of Scott and Jennifer Mackesy's lives.
After graduating in 1991, and later marrying, that shared passion became a cornerstone of their life together, so much so that last year, the Mackesys deepened their commitment to the movement by officially joining the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation.
Their philanthropic support provides vital funding for Team USA athletes through the Team USA Fund while also delivering targeted resources through three equal grants to three NGBs. By supporting US Squash, U.S. Soccer and USA Lacrosse, they found a new way to connect to the sports that have helped to shape their family’s story. From tennis and soccer to lacrosse and squash, the sports their children play, they’ve built a family legacy rooted in supporting the behind-the-scenes operations that make Team USA go.
“Athletics brings people together, reminding us that we are part of something bigger, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games epitomizes this,” Scott says.
Their eldest son, Tyler, was introduced to squash by Scott, representing the U.S. in Junior Squash and later playing four years at the University of Virginia. Their younger son, Coulter, a highly touted college lacrosse player, was drafted fourth overall by the Boston Cannons in the 2025 Professional Lacrosse League draft.
“Seeing our kids follow their own paths and experience the same values we learned through competition has been incredibly meaningful,” Jen remarked. “Supporting Team USA and the organizations that make those opportunities possible feels like a way to give back to the system that’s given our family so much.”
At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the Mackesys saw the Olympic spirit come to life. From the electric atmosphere of the women’s soccer semifinal and final, where Team USA captured gold, to the roar of the crowd at the track and field stadium and the unforgettable backdrop of beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower, every moment deepened their connection to the athletes they support. They found themselves drawn to new sports, too — water polo, sport climbing, indoor volleyball and table tennis — discovering a new perspective on the dedication required to compete at that level.
For Scott, that firsthand exposure offered powerful insight into what it truly takes for Team USA athletes to succeed.
"When the Games are on television, it’s very grandiose,” he says. “You see these incredible performances and think everyone must be on top of the world. But the reality is that so many athletes face real financial challenges just to train and maintain that level of excellence. Once you understand that side of it, you want to do something to help.”
That understanding has become a driving force behind the Mackesys’ philanthropy: a desire to elevate the sports they’re passionate about and continue the legacy of excellence that defines U.S. programs.
And as LA 2028 approaches, so does a new era for emerging sports. With squash making its Olympic debut and lacrosse returning to the Olympic stage for the first time in more than 120 years, the Mackesys’ contributions to these NGBs are timelier than ever.
“There’s a unique opportunity for squash at LA28 since [that] will be played in the Olympic Games for the first time,” Jen said. “Seeing our gift impact one athlete and also the overall success of Team USA is what continues to be a reason we support Team USA.”
For the Mackesys, seeing squash and lacrosse take the Olympic stage carries special meaning.
“They both achieved a high level of success in their own sports,” Jen said, “but seeing our sons be inspired by athletes who have represented the U.S. — whether it’s on the squash court or lacrosse field — has been really special. It’s heartwarming to see how welcoming those communities have been to them.”
Scott agrees. “When kids are at that level, you gain a deep appreciation for what it takes: coaching, training and the entire infrastructure that helps them get there,” he said. “That’s another factor that drives us to give back, making sure the next generation has access to those same opportunities.”
For more information about the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, click here (or click to make a gift). To learn more about attending the Olympic or Paralympic Games with the USOPF, contact the team at gameshospitality@usopc.org.
