Mark Walden was a two-year member of the Oxford College of Emory University men's basketball program competing during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 campaigns. During his sophomore season, he was a key contributor to a team that won their first-ever GCAA Conference Tournament Championship. He was named to the GCAA All-Defensive Conference team.
Mark was named a team captain and averaged 8.9 points, 6.63 rebounds and 1.4 steals for his career at Emory Oxford. He was known for his toughness, hard work ethic, defensive prowess as he always guarded the other team's best player.
He was also a Jackie Robinson Scholar.
We recently caught up with Mark to see what he is doing and discuss his experience at Emory Oxford.
Q. What do you do now? Where do you live?
I am an Equities Sales Trader at Goldman Sachs in the Global Banking & Markets Division and live in NYC.
Q. What were some factors in you choosing Oxford College of Emory University?
Oxford provided me with an intensive liberal arts education, access to a close-knit community, while maintaining the ability to continue to be a student-athlete.
Q. Can you reflect on your experiences as a student-athlete at Oxford?
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a student-athlete and am thankful for the lifelong friendships we were able to build through competition.
Q. Who at Emory Oxford made an impact on your life?
Professor Vigilante who has since retired was extremely impactful as an academic advisor, professor, and now friend. I would also be remiss if I did not mention Coach Stubbs and the Admissions staff.
Q. Most memorable experience while at Emory Oxford.
Most memorable experience was winning the GCAA Conference Championship in 2016.
Q. Outside of your professional career, what hobbies or interests do you like?
Movies/TV, spending time with family/friends, and remaining active through exercise.
Q. Is there any part of the Oxford student-athlete experience that has benefited you professionally?
Balancing the rigor of academics at Oxford while being an athlete helped prepare me for the constant grind of working on a trading floor on Wall Street.
Q. Any advice to Oxford student-athletes academically and/or athletically?
My advice would be to take full advantage of the leadership opportunities, academics, and athletic opportunities while at Oxford. Lastly, please do not take for granted the relationships you develop while at Oxford and enjoy your time on campus.