Katherine Walsh’s Instagram, which has over 63,000 followers, is a mix of golf swings, sideline interviews and behind-the-scenes moments with Special Olympics athletes. While she has built a career in sports media and golf content creation, much of her platform is devoted to sharing the community she has found and built through volunteering with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“I want people to see what I see,” Walsh said. “They’re incredible athletes, but more than that, they’re amazing people with favorite snacks and hobbies, just like individuals without IDD.”
At just eight years old, Walsh attended her first Special Olympics Summer Games in Illinois with her dad. Ever since, she has volunteered throughout middle and high school. Katherine’s first internship was with Special Olympics Illinois. Now based in Nashville, Walsh coaches at Train 4 Life, a fitness program run by Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN), and works out alongside athletes she now calls close friends. Every Monday and Wednesday at D1 Training Cool Springs, she shares their stories: selfies after sled pushes, pep talks before weightlifting, and a window into a community that’s often underrepresented in sports media.
“They aren’t just people I work out with,” said Walsh. “They’re my friends. We hang out outside the gym and connect with each other’s families.”
Her connection to individuals with IDD is personal. One of her best friends growing up had autism. Walsh has always gravitated toward people with special needs, and her church has helped to strengthen that bond. She says the community there has provided numerous resources for them and has shaped her view of inclusion.
One of her favorite moments is with an athlete named Anthony.
“He speaks very little, but his positive attitude is always there,” said Walsh. “He gives thumbs up, shows up with a smile, and recently has been pushing over 100 pounds on the sled.”
Showing up for those who are important to you is what Walsh believes matters most. Athletes notice when you’re there, and consistency builds trust. One of the most powerful experiences she’s had through Special Olympics was at the Unified Fore Joy Pro-Am at Topgolf, a global event where athletes are the professionals. She met Jonah, a Special Olympics athlete who was working on his golf skills for his test. He also loves the Bible and can quote verses from it verbatim.
Walsh asked Jonah what his favorite verse was, and he said: "Matthew 5:14 —You are the light of the world." She remembers it as one of those “wow” moments in her career.
She is clear about what drives her: faith and service. Why does Katherine Walsh keep showing up for Special Olympics Tennessee?
Because for her, these aren’t just athletes—they’re family.
