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Issue #6
Welcome to Locker Room Talk.
We believe that Equipment Managers are the backbone of every team. This month we’re proud to spotlight someone whose leadership blends precision, empathy, and mentorship — Katie Wimp, Head Equipment Manager of Olympic Sports at Colorado State University.
🎖️ Equipment Manager Spotlight
Katie Wimp
🔬 A Different Perspective
In a male-dominated industry, Katie believes women bring a vital perspective to the profession rooted in detail, empathy, and creative problem-solving.
“We come at problems with attention to detail, problem-solving, and compassion at the forefront to find a solution,” she said. “Sometimes a problem isn’t black and white, and adding compassion to find a solution can make the difference.”
That approach has shaped how she leads and how she interacts with both athletes and staff. Compassion, after all, doesn’t mean compromise, it means understanding what people need to do their best work and helping them get there.
//🔑: Compassion is often the competitive edge that builds stronger teams and better outcomes.
⚖️ Balance in the Grind
Ask any Equipment Manager and they’ll tell you it can feel like the job never stops. Finding time to breathe takes intentional effort, and Katie has made that a priority.
Katie’s learned that slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. “I used to joke that I got my first dog so that I could have an excuse to leave work without coaches questioning it.” What started as a joke became a framework for balance.
“Having something to go home for conditioned me not to overwork myself,” she explained. Her strategy includes picking up intentional hobbies that fill her cup like joining a kickball league and a trivia group for when the weather gets colder.
In a world where burnout is often worn as a badge of honor, Katie’s approach reminds us that longevity in any field depends on taking care of the person doing the work (yourself).
As an entrepreneur myself, burnout is the number one reason for my crash outs. I completely agree with Katie’s outlook on taking up hobbies to ease your mind and let yourself live a little bit outside of that bubble of work. I’ve learned that giving that time back to yourself, allows for greater heights to be reached.
//🔑: You can’t pour into others if you never refill your own cup.
🏔️ Shaping the Future
While her role at Colorado State keeps her busy, Katie’s proudest work extends beyond the campus. Her involvement with the AEMA, especially with Women of the AEMA, reflects a deep passion for mentorship and growth.
“My work for the AEMA has been some of the most rewarding stuff I have done. From mentorship and the Zoom calls, to working with the Women of the AEMA, I think that is where my long-term impact will be. Helping the next generation of equipment managers learn how to impact the student athletes and student managers both on and off the field.”
That’s what Locker Room Talk is all about, lifting up others while leaving the profession stronger than you found it.
//🔑: Legacy is built through mentorship, not titles.
💿 Favorite Locker Room Song
If she’s setting up solo, Katie’s going full Broadway belting out Wicked (OG soundtrack only). But when the team’s involved, it’s all about her custom-made Stadium Rock Anthems playlist that gets clearance from the whole squad.
💭 Quote of the Month
“Putting yourself first is hard, but it’s necessary” – Katie Wimp
🎗️ On behalf of Katie, we’ve donated to Special Olympics Colorado, supporting athletes of all abilities through inclusive sports and community programming. You can learn more or donate directly here.
TL;DR: Katie Wimp, Head Equipment Manager of Olympic Sports at Colorado State University, brings empathy, balance, and mentorship to the forefront of Equipment Management. From advocating for women in the AEMA to reminding others that compassion matters just as much as efficiency, her story is a lesson in leading with both heart and intention.
