Young Professional Q&A: Cassidhe Walker

Cassidhe Walker, the passionate coordinator of adaptive sports and events at the University of Central Oklahoma, has dedicated herself to empowering athletes and making a difference in the Edmond community.

Q: How long have you been living and working in the area?

A: I have been living in the area for five years and working in Edmond at UCO for eight and a half years.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in Corinth, Texas, and graduated from Lake Dallas High School in 2010. I then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to attend Oklahoma State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Sports Management in 2014. I completed my Masters in Sports Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2021.

Q: What was your previous work experience before joining UCO?

A: I have worked at UCO since I graduated from college. Initially, I worked in marketing and communications for the Division of Student Affairs, focusing on social media and web content management. In fall 2017, I transitioned to my current role within the Department of Wellness and Sport. Additionally, during college, I worked at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and helped open the store in Stillwater.

Q: How did you get involved with your current organization?

A: After graduating, I applied for various jobs and landed a marketing and communications position at UCO. During the interview, they mentioned the UCO Endeavor Games, an event I’d be involved with. After experiencing my first Endeavor Games, I became passionate about it.

When my predecessor left, I was approached about applying for the job and gladly accepted. I have been coordinating the UCO Endeavor Games for the last 5 ½ years.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: There are two things I love most about my job. First, the athletes we host at the UCO Endeavor Games. Getting to know them, witnessing their journeys, and playing a part in their success in sports is incredibly fulfilling.

Second, I cherish the camaraderie with my coworkers. We have a close-knit work family that supports and celebrates each other.

Q: What are you passionate about in your personal life?

A: I’m a passionate individual and immerse myself in various activities.

I’m a member of Edmond Young Professionals and serve on the advisory board. I also participate in Leadership Edmond and serve on its steering committee. Additionally, I am a board member for Edmond Mobile Meals and work part-time at Pure Barre Edmond.

I’m actively involved in volunteering with my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, both at the local alumnae chapter and the Oklahoma State collegiate chapter.

In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, taking Pure Barre classes, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?

A: Professionally, I’m proud of the contribution the Endeavor Games has made to Edmond’s sports tourism. In 2021, we were recognized as one of Sports Destination Management’s Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, with an estimated economic impact of over $1 million.

I’m most proud of returning to school and earning my Master’s degree. Despite initially not considering further education, I pursued my Master’s during the COVID lockdown in 2020. I worked full-time while taking online classes and completed my degree in just a year and a half.

Q: What is one of your major goals for the next decade?

A: In the next ten years, I aim to expand the adaptive sport movement by initiating Endeavor Games events in more cities. Access to quality adaptive sport competitions is limited, and I hope to fill that need for athletes across the country.

Q: What do you appreciate about Edmond?

A: Edmond, with its population of nearly 100,000, retains a small-town atmosphere despite its size. The citizens are engaged, the mayor and city council genuinely care, and the public-school system is excellent.

It’s a community with two universities, several hospital systems, and many thriving industries and businesses. Events like the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, VIBES, Liberty Fest, and Heard on Hurd showcase Edmond’s uniqueness.

Q: What advice do you have for young professionals?

A: Stay informed and vote! Immerse yourself in your community by volunteering, joining local organizations, and attending city council meetings.

Educate yourself about local matters and make your voice heard through voting in both nationwide and local elections. Your involvement and participation matter.