Coach Parker Clay comes to Central Washington University from Monmouth, Oregon where she served as a graduate assistant for the Western Oregon University Track and Field program while earning her Master’s of Science in Education degree. Clay joined the Wolves in January of 2024 and led the women’s javelin cohort to a top 10 a national USTFCCCA #EventSquad Ranking, 14 GNAC points, the Outdoor GNAC Performer of the Meet, and NCAA Division 2 National Qualifier- Kaylee Wright. While at Western Oregon, Coach Clay also assisted with the Wolves’ heavy throws cohort, academics, and recruiting.
Prior to her time in Monmouth, Coach Clay worked for Texas A&M University in a dual capacity. Clay served as a part time coach for the Aggie Olympic Strength and Conditioning Department leading the Aggie Dance Team S&C program and assisting with volleyball, women’s tennis, softball, soccer, and equestrian. She served concurrently as the Social Media Coordinator for the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy where she led digital and print marketing efforts, developed two continuing education podcasts for young and future coaches, and helped develop continuing education programming for both the Texas High School Coaches Association ROCK mentorship and Future Coaches of Texas Association programs. While serving in these roles, Clay obtained a Master’s of Science in Kinesiology - Sport Physiology, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Level 1 Certification from USA Weightlifting.
In Spring 2022, Parker completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree with a specialization in Exercise and Sport Science and minors in Coaching and Sport Management. Prior to graduation, she was a student coach for the Texas A&M Track and Field program during the 2021-2022 school year assisting Coach Juan DeLaGarza with the throwing events. Clay returns to College Station every summer to assist with the Aggie Track and Field Camps where she has assisted with the throwing events since 2019.
Parker served as a captain on the Aggie track and field team where she competed and trained in all five throwing disciplines. She ended her career with the 10th best indoor shot-put and 12th best outdoor shot-put marks in Texas A&M history. As an athlete, Clay was named to the SouthEastern Conference Spring Sport Honor Roll four times and is also a seven-time award winner of the Texas A&M Athletic Directors Honor Roll.
While living in College Station, Parker coached athletes of all ages and abilities in multiple capacities. She served as a strength and conditioning coach with the Corps of Cadets, local high school and middle school athletes, and in the private sector. She is passionate about having worked as an assistant coach at Rock Steady Boxing in College Station, working alongside people fighting Parkinson’s Disease. Parker helped coach local shot put and discus throwers for the Bryan Thunderbolts Track Club and at Allen Academy where she coached multiple state qualifiers, a state runner up, and a state champion.Â
Before arriving at Texas A&M University, Parker attended St. Paul High School in Shiner, Texas where she garnered 11 TAPPS 2A State Titles (4 track and field, 1 basketball, 1 softball, 3 shot-put, and 2 discus). She was also named to eleven all-state teams for volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. Parker ended her high school career as the TAPPS state record holder across all divisions in the shot-put.
