Audrey Carico
NKyTribune Contributor
Justin Markle was an avid soccer player from high school through college, but he never watched a soccer game to the end until he went to college. Two years ago I became the events coordinator for FC Cincinnati.
Currently from Fort Thomas He is fully immersed in a Major League Soccer franchise that ranks in the league's top 10 in attendance.
“I've fallen in love with the sport and all the events we've hosted at TQL Stadium,” Markle said. “My role at FC Cincinnati is to help coordinate all events that take place at the stadium. Whether that's a team playing in front of 25,513 fans or a conference with 15 people.”
Long before he was coordinating football games, Markle spent most of his time on the football field, where in high school he established himself as an offensive lineman for the Highland Bluebirds, a team rich in tradition.
The highlands provided the perfect environment for Markle To develop your skills and knowledge of the game while playing with talented players.
“I will never forget the memories of hanging out with my friends.“Being on the offensive line taught me to work together as a team and not just focus on myself,” he said.
Markle didn't get the chance to play football in college, but he found a way to continue competing.
“I decided I wanted to be a equipment manager my senior year of high school,” he says. “I Although I wasn't able to make a career as a footballer, I knew I wanted to continue working in the sports world. Working with the equipment keeps me involved in the sport while still focusing on my future goals.”
Markle enrolled at the University of South Carolina to pursue a degree in sports and entertainment management. In January of his freshman year, he became the equipment manager for the Gamecocks football team.
“As an equipment manager, I had the same class schedule as the players… I learned how to manage my time and find the little things in life that bring me joy,” he said.
After earning his college degree, Markle landed a job with FC Cincinnati in 2022 despite having no soccer experience. Luckily, he adapted to the game pretty quickly, as FCC had a breakout season in 2023, finishing atop the MLS standings.
During home games, Markle and other staff members work hard to ensure the fan experience at TQL Stadium is excellent. Behind the scenes, he micromanages everything off the pitch.
Merkle's football background helped him in this role. As an offensive lineman, he often played under the radar. In college, he spent countless hours on the sidelines helping his team.
FC Cincinnati remains one of the top teams in MLS this season. The owners of TQL Stadium have also branched out into the entertainment business, with Markle serving as event coordinator for major concerts held at the stadium, including The Who and, most recently, Kenny Chesney in June of this year.
“The best part of my job is hosting an event and seeing the smiles on people's faces as they enjoy it,” Markle said. “It's such an amazing feeling to see people enjoying all the effort you've put in.”
