As Team USA prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, a Georgia Tech graduate is helping shape how millions of fans will see every gold medal moment. McLain Broussard, a former Yellow Jacket cheerleader, is now part of the graphic design team guiding the visual identity of Team USA for the Milan Cortina Games. Her work will frame history in real time.
From Georgia Tech Cheerleader to Team USA Designer
Georgia Institute of Technology alumna McLain Broussard once stood on the sidelines at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field cheering on the Yellow Jackets.
Today, she is behind the scenes helping craft the digital face of Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Broussard, who graduated in 2020, found her passion for graphic design while managing social media for the Georgia Tech cheer team. What began as a creative side project soon became her career path.
She switched her major from computational media to literature, media, and communication after realizing she loved telling stories through design. The turning point came when she saw students wearing shirts she had designed during a football game.
“I just remember seeing all of those shirts I designed and thinking this is a feeling I am going to hold onto forever,” Broussard said.
That moment confirmed her future was in sports storytelling.
Building the Visual Identity for Milan Cortina 2026
The Milan Cortina Winter Games will open in February 2026, marking the return of the Olympics to Italy for the first time since 2006. While athletes train for podium finishes, designers like Broussard prepare long before the opening ceremony.
Her team begins building the design language nearly a year in advance.
That includes:
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Winter themed graphics for social media
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Medal count templates
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Athlete spotlight visuals
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Breaking news layouts
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Paralympic coverage branding
Preparation is key.
Every graphic must be ready within minutes of a medal win or historic performance. Fans across Instagram, X, Facebook, and broadcast screens expect instant updates, and the visual style must remain consistent across platforms.
Broussard and her colleagues study venue aesthetics, official Olympic branding guidelines, and national team colors to ensure every post aligns with Team USA’s identity.
They also prepare adaptable templates so designers can plug in results quickly during live events.
The pressure mirrors what athletes feel on the field.
Preparation and execution decide everything.
Why Sports Storytelling Matters
For Broussard, the work goes beyond fonts and colors.
She sees design as a way to celebrate athletes’ journeys, especially during the Olympics and Paralympics when stories of resilience often capture global attention.
“I love working in sports because I get to share athletes’ stories and make them accessible to everyone,” she said.
The Paralympics hold special meaning for her.
She believes visual storytelling helps elevate the hard work athletes put in behind the scenes, long before cameras turn on.
In today’s digital world, design shapes how history is remembered.
A gold medal photo with bold typography can travel worldwide within seconds. A carefully crafted tribute graphic can define an athlete’s legacy.
Quick Facts About Milan Cortina 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Italy |
| Host Cities | Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo |
| Opening Ceremony | February 2026 |
| Winter Sports | Alpine skiing, figure skating, hockey, and more |
| Team USA Goal | Top medal contender |
The Games are expected to draw thousands of athletes and billions of viewers globally.
Behind every viral Olympic moment is a team ensuring the image is sharp, the message is clear, and the emotion is real.
Life After Georgia Tech and Career Growth
After graduating in 2020, Broussard continued working with Georgia Tech Athletics before stepping into professional sports design roles.
Her background as a cheerleader gave her a unique edge.
She understands the rhythm of game days, the energy of fans, and the emotional highs and lows athletes experience.
That lived experience now informs her design choices.
Georgia Tech, she says, taught her discipline and time management. Balancing academics with athletics prepared her for the fast pace of Olympic coverage.
In large global events, timing is everything.
A delayed graphic can mean missing the viral moment.
A poorly prepared template can create confusion.
That is why Broussard and her team rehearse digital workflows months before the first event begins.
The Growing Role of Graphic Design in Global Sports
The sports industry has changed dramatically in the last decade.
Social media engagement often rivals live television audiences. Teams and national federations now rely heavily on visual branding to connect with younger fans.
Key trends shaping Olympic design coverage include:
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Vertical video optimized graphics
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Real time data driven medal updates
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Athlete personality driven storytelling
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Accessibility focused design for global audiences
Designers must think globally while creating content that feels personal.
For Team USA, that means blending patriotic themes with modern digital aesthetics.
It also means ensuring inclusivity.
Broussard says accessibility tools and readable formats are essential when reaching a worldwide audience.
The goal is not just to inform but to inspire.
A Gold Medal Mindset Beyond the Field
Athletes chase gold through years of training.
Designers chase perfection through preparation.
Both depend on teamwork, precision, and passion.
Broussard’s journey from cheering in Atlanta to designing for the world stage reflects how sports careers extend far beyond competition. Creative professionals now play a vital role in shaping how fans experience global events.
As the countdown to Milan Cortina continues, Broussard and her team remain focused on readiness.
When the first medal is awarded, millions will see the result through visuals she helped prepare.
And somewhere in that graphic will be the same spark she felt years ago at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Team USA’s athletes will compete for gold on snow and ice. Broussard will compete for gold in storytelling.
As excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, what do you think about the rising role of digital design in sports? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation as Team USA heads to Italy.
