Rachel Rogers Named Sports ETA’s Woman of the Year

Rachel Rogers is Sports ETA’s 2026 Woman of the Year.

Rogers, the vice president of sports sales & engagement for Cobb Travel & Tourism and the Cobb Sports Alliance, was honored Thursday during the Sports ETA Women’s Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The award recognizes a female leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in advancing the sports events and tourism industry. Rogers, who joined Cobb Travel & Tourism in 2013, oversees the Cobb Sports Alliance and leads strategic initiatives for sports event recruitment, marketing, and partnership development.

“Rachel Rogers exemplifies excellence in sports tourism,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Her ability to connect strategy with execution, while building strong partnerships that deliver real economic impact, makes her one of the most respected leaders in our industry. She is shaping the future of sports tourism and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.”

Rogers’ career began with the Rome Braves, an Atlanta Braves’ Class A minor league club, where she held leadership roles in community relations and premium services, contributing to marquee events such as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game. She later served as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Shorter University in Rome, Ga., where she was part of the leadership team that transitioned the athletics program from NAIA to NCAA Division II, while also leading marketing and student-athlete development initiatives.

Rogers serves on the Sports ETA Board of Directors and is actively involved in advancing professional development and mentorship across the industry.

The Sports ETA Women’s Summit brings together female executives and emerging leaders from across the country for professional development, networking, and industry insights. It is held annually alongside the NCAA Women’s Final Four, which this year is taking place in Phoenix with semifinal games on Friday night and the championship game on Sunday.