Kobe Miller: Leading on the Water and Beyond
’25 Master in Sports Leadership Graduate and Student Commencement Speaker
Kobe Miller celebrated his 24th birthday in a way that perfectly encapsulates his life: balancing elite athletic competition and a love for sports. On his birthday weekend, he rowed against Boston University on the Charles River as a key member of the Northeastern University rowing team. The next day, he attended game day with the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, a team he has worked with through his graduate program’s co-op experience.
Miller, an international student from Blenheim, New Zealand, has made a name for himself as both an athlete and a leader. As a graduate student in Northeastern’s Sports Leadership program, he is not only preparing for a potential spot on the 2028 New Zealand Olympic rowing team but also laying the groundwork for a future career in coaching.
A Journey from Small-Town New Zealand to Boston
Growing up in Blenheim, a town best known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Miller was surrounded by sports. His parents, both former athletes, encouraged him and his older brother to play as many sports as possible, including cricket, rugby, water polo and volleyball. Basketball was his first love, but by high school, he had shifted focus to rowing, eventually earning a spot on the New Zealand national team.
Miller’s namesake comes from basketball legend Kobe Bryant. His parents, passionate sports fans, attended a Lakers game while on their honeymoon in Texas and were inspired by Bryant’s talent. They decided to name their son Kobe in honor of the player they had admired on that trip. Years later, Miller would develop his own deep connection to basketball before ultimately choosing to pursue rowing at the highest level.
Deciding to leave his home country for graduate school was a leap of faith. “I wanted to see how I would fare in a bigger network,” he said. Boston, with its rich sports culture and the opportunity to compete at a high level, proved to be the perfect fit.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. wasn’t always easy. Miller recalls initially relying on Google Maps to navigate the city and adapting to cultural differences like tipping at restaurants. But once settled, he fell in love with Boston’s energy and the opportunities available at Northeastern.
A Leader in the Boat and in the Classroom
As a member of Northeastern’s rowing team, Miller has embraced his role as a mentor to younger teammates. “Being one of the older guys on the team, I try to be a role model,” he explained. “I share my experiences and help guide the newer athletes in making the most of their opportunities.”
“Being one of the older guys on the team, I try to be a role model,” he explained. “I share my experiences and help guide the newer athletes in making the most of their opportunities.”
Miller’s leadership extends beyond the water. Through his involvement with the Northeastern Mental Health Awareness Committee for Student Athletes (NUMAC) and his co-op position with the Celtics, he has been able to bridge the worlds of elite athletics and professional sports management. Northeastern rowing coach Alex Perkins praised Miller’s impact: “Kobe has been a great addition to our team. He’s not only a top competitor, but also a great teammate. His leadership roles in athletics and his work with the Celtics have shown his ability to engage meaningfully with those around him.”
Balancing Athletics and Career Ambitions
Miller’s time at Northeastern has helped him refine his career aspirations. While he remains committed to his Olympic rowing dream, he has also developed a passion for coaching. “The Sports Leadership program exposed me to the U.S. sports system on a much larger scale than what I was used to in New Zealand,” he said. “Learning about Title IX, sports management, sponsorships, and ticket sales really expanded my perspective.”
His co-op experience with the Boston Celtics was a game-changer. Initially unaware of the opportunity, he was introduced to the team through a Northeastern rowing alumnus. Within months, he was working with the team, gaining firsthand experience in professional sports operations.
Miller’s co-op experience with the Boston Celtics was a game-changer. Initially unaware of the opportunity, he was introduced to the team through a Northeastern rowing alumnus.
The Road to 2028
With graduation in May 2025, Miller faces a pivotal decision: continue working toward an Olympic bid or pursue a full-time coaching career. For now, his focus is on rowing. “While I still have a chance to make the 2028 Olympics, I should take it,” he said. His goal is to return to New Zealand, go through national team trials, and earn a spot to compete in World Cups and international championships.
At 27 years old in 2028, Miller would be at the peak age for elite rowers. “Rowing has a long development cycle. The prime age is around 28, so it’s perfect timing for me,” he explained.
A Legacy in the Making
Regardless of which path he ultimately chooses, Miller is already leaving a lasting impact. His journey has inspired a new wave of New Zealand recruits to consider Northeastern, a shift from the typical Ivy League destinations. His leadership on and off the water has strengthened Northeastern’s athletic community, and his experience has prepared him for a future where he can shape the next generation of athletes.
“I’ve been able to integrate my passions here in Boston,” he said. “Whether it’s rowing, basketball, or coaching, I know I’ll take these experiences with me wherever I go.”
For Kobe Miller, the future is wide open—whether he’s racing toward Olympic glory or guiding the next generation of athletes, one thing is certain: he’s thinking big.
