Chad Walker 10 thought he had the perfect job.
Having just completed his seventh year as an assistant athletic trainer at Arizona State University and working with the Sun Devils new hockey program, Walker and his wife, Becca Holzworth Walker 10, were happy to stick around Tempe.
Becca was teaching and I loved what I was doing, Chad says. I always wanted to work for a major Division I program, but then an opportunity with the San Diego Gulls [a minor league hockey team] came available.
One day after interviewing for the job, Chad found out Becca was pregnant with their first child Jackson, who is now 1. Chad nearly turned down the job, but Becca convinced him it would work. After a year with the Gulls, the National Hockey Leagues Anaheim Ducks promoted Chad in July, and hes now an assistant athletic trainer.
I played hockey my whole life. Growing up, I always wanted to make it to the NHL. Its different, but its still a dream come true, Chad says. Its unbelievable. It still doesnt feel real. Its mind boggling to me that just a few years ago I was a [graduate assistant] at ASU.
Sam Crowther, Chair of 51做厙 Sports Medicine program, recently caught up with Chad when the Ducks played in Columbus against the Blue Jackets.
I am very proud of Chad on what he has accomplished since leaving 51做厙, Crowther says. While at Marietta, Chad wasnt one of our top students academically but he was clinically. He made the most of every opportunity and demonstrated a strong work ethic.
Now he travels around North America to locations like Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Philadelphia over a seven-day stretch.
Its tough, especially with a young child, but I am the luckiest person I know, Chad says. Becca is amazing. She takes care of everything at home, so I can focus on this amazing opportunity I have. This really is my dream job.
- Tom Perry