Ep 8: Earning Your Shot: The Journey of ASU Graduate Assitant Parker Zidel

In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, host Tyler Baum welcomes Parker Zidel, a graduate assistant with the Arizona State University (ASU) Men’s Basketball program, to share his inspiring journey from high school player to college team manager — and now a key part of a Division I coaching staff.

Parker opens up about how starting at the “bottom of the totem pole” as a student manager taught him humility, hard work, and time management — skills that opened doors to opportunities in strategy, scouting, and recruiting. Together, Tyler and Parker dive deep into the importance of finding your path, building trust within a program, and valuing every role in the gym, from managers to coaches.

The episode also offers valuable advice for high school athletes and families navigating the recruiting process — including why it’s crucial to “control what you can control” and how parents can support without overstepping.