Lola Khokhryakova

Lola Khokhryakova, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her areas of expertise include sport media entrepreneurship, sport media, nonprofit and startup development, sport innovation and inclusive sport promotion. This fall, she instructs three courses including sport in society, sport media operations and sport promotion.  

Before entering academia, Khokhryakova spent a decade working in journalism, media, public relations and marketing, with a focus on addressing gaps in representation and inclusivity in sports. Her research explores sport entrepreneurship, sport-for-development initiatives and the role of sports in community development.  

Prior to joining MSU Denver, she taught sport and society, professional development in sport administration, and sport and leisure administration at Louisiana State University. She also serves as a freelance consultant for the International Platform on Sport and Development. 

Khokhryakova holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Management with a minor in Public Administration from Louisiana State University. She earned a master’s degree in Community Health Promotion from the University of Arkansas, a master’s degree in Social History and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Political Journalism, both from the Higher School of Economics University in Russia.