From dreaming of a career in sports to working with some of the world’s top athletes, Chapman alumnus Jordan Walton ’24 (Applied Human Physiology) has built his path through determination, mentorship, and a willingness to learn. Growing up in Oakland, he always imagined a future in sports, and his experiences at Chapman helped turn that passion into a career in sports performance.
Jordan shares his journey, lessons learned from working in professional sports, the mentors who helped guide him, and advice for future Chapman students pursuing careers in sports performance and sports medicine.
Tell us about your journey from growing up in Oakland to working in professional sports.
Growing up in Oakland, I always imagined myself working in sports, whether that meant playing professionally or coaching. I’ve always dreamed big and set goals for myself at every stage—high school, undergrad, and graduate school.
When the opportunity with LA Galaxy came during graduate school, I knew I had to take it. Being the youngest person in the organization was intimidating at times, but my mentors never saw age as a barrier. They trusted my work ethic and believed I could grow into a successful practitioner.
That experience showed me that opportunities come when you are prepared, willing to learn, and ready to put in the work.
How did your Chapman experience influence your career path?
At Chapman, I had professors who genuinely shaped my confidence and direction. Dr. Sumida, Dr. Frisch, Dr. Sternlicht, Dr. Richards, and Dr. Dana all supported my goals and encouraged me to pursue graduate school and a career in sports performance.
Those conversations made me feel seen and capable. Their mentorship helped me recognize that I belonged in this field and gave me the confidence to continue pursuing opportunities that challenged me.
What was your experience like working with the LA Galaxy? 
Working with LA Galaxy was an incredible learning experience. As someone early in my career, I approached every day with the mindset of being a “fly on the wall.” I wanted to absorb everything I could from the performance staff and learn from the professionals around me.
The biggest lessons I learned were to always ask questions and always adapt. Working in professional sports requires curiosity, humility, and the ability to learn from every situation.
That experience gave me the foundation and confidence to earn my first full-time role as a performance coach with Real Salt Lake.
What skills did you develop while working in professional sports?
Adaptability is essential in professional sports. Schedules change, training times move, players shift between teams, and unexpected challenges happen all the time. You have to stay calm, confident, and ready.
Those lessons have shaped me not only as a practitioner, but also as a person. Being able to adjust, communicate, and continue learning are skills that I carry with me every day.
Who has supported you throughout your journey?
My fiancée, Khyra Stiner (C.O. ’25), has been my rock through all of this. She has helped me stay grounded, optimistic, and resilient, especially when challenges came my way.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the mentors, professors, and professionals who believed in me and helped guide me along the way.
What advice would you give to Chapman students interested in sports performance or sports medicine?
Be yourself, ask questions, and never shy away from opportunities.
You never know where one opportunity can lead. I’m a California kid who just moved to Utah for the job I always wanted. When I look back at my younger self, I can honestly say, “We did it. Look how far we’ve come.”
Stay curious, work hard, and trust that every experience is helping prepare you for what comes next.
What’s next for you?
I’m excited to continue growing as a performance coach with Real Salt Lake and continue learning from the athletes, coaches, and practitioners around me.
Every step of this journey, from Oakland, to Chapman, to USC grad school, to LA Galaxy, and now RSL, has helped shape who I am today. I’m grateful for the people who supported me and excited for what comes next.
Congratulations Jordan!!
