Callahan Wiegandt | WKU Volleyball

Hometown/Current City: Louisville, KY/Bowling Green, KY
Undergraduate Major: Sport Management
Postgraduate Field of Study: Recreation and Sport Administration with a general concentration
 
What career path did you pursue after college, and how did you land there?
During my final season as a student-athlete, I had the opportunity to intern in Student Athlete Development and NIL, which helped me discover my passion for working in college athletics. College athletics has always been a huge part of my life, my dad has been an Athletic Director for more than 20 years, so I grew up around the industry and was fascinated by it from a young age. After graduating from WKU, I transitioned into a Graduate Assistant role during my first semester of graduate school. Following a few shifts within our department, I was given the opportunity to step into the Director of NIL role. Being a former student-athlete while also growing up around college athletics has given me a unique perspective, and I’m excited to continue building my career in a field I’ve always been passionate about.

What’s one college athletics memory that still makes you smile?
Honestly, some of my favorite memories aren't necessarily the biggest wins or moments on the court, they're the everyday moments with my teammates. The long bus rides, locker room laughs, team traditions, and getting to compete alongside people who became some of my closest friends are the memories I'll always look back on and smile about.

Is there a lesson from your time as a student-athlete that continues to shape you?
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that you don't have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward. My journey wasn't always easy, and I had to work hard for opportunities that didn't always come right away. Being a student-athlete taught me to be resilient, stay consistent, and trust that hard work will eventually open doors.

Any new hobbies, interests, or unexpected passions since your playing days?
Since stepping away from volleyball, I’ve really enjoyed finding hobbies and activities that are just for me. I’ve gotten into pickleball, reading, traveling, and spending more quality time with my family. I’ve also changed the way I think about working out, I now exercise because it makes me feel good and gives me energy, rather than always training for performance or a specific athletic goal. It’s been nice learning how to enjoy movement and life outside of always having to compete.

What’s something you’ve discovered about yourself since college?
I’ve discovered that I’m someone who always loves to be on the move, and I definitely have a hard time slowing down. As an athlete, there was always something to work toward, whether it was practice, competition, school, or the next goal. One of the biggest adjustments since college has been learning that I don’t always have to be doing something or working toward something. I’m still learning how to be okay with just being, slowing down, and taking time for myself. It’s something I’m getting better at, and I’m learning that rest and taking care of myself are just as important as staying busy.

What advice would you give your college-athlete self?
I would tell myself to enjoy the little moments and not put so much pressure on myself to have everything figured out. Your athletic career goes by so much faster than you think, and one day you'll miss the practices, the chaos, and even the hard days. Be present, take pictures, celebrate the small wins, and trust that there is an incredible life waiting for you after your playing career, too.

How did being a college athlete influence the person and professional you’ve become?
Being a college athlete shaped almost everything about how I approach life and work. It taught me how to communicate, work as part of a team, handle adversity, manage my time, and show up even when things are difficult. As a professional, I also think being a former student-athlete helps me better understand the people I work with because I've been in their shoes.

Who or what continues to inspire you?
I'm continually inspired by the people who invest in others and make a difference without always getting the recognition for it. I've been fortunate to have coaches, teammates, mentors, and colleagues who believed in me and pushed me to grow. They inspire me to do the same for the student-athletes and people who come after me to help create opportunities and make people feel supported along the way.