Walker Smith
Walker Smith(he/him/his)
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

Walker Smith expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism with a certificate in marketing. Smith has worked as an editor and reporter for The State Press and as a production assistant with Big Slate Media and Pac-12 Plus.

Latest from Walker Smith

IOC, Team USA use new technology to promote athlete mental wellness, even after Olympics are over

PARIS – At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee and Team USA did more than ever before to help with Olympians’ mental well-being by using technology like VR, AI and therapy.


Forks down: Exit of OC Beau Baldwin, departure of players mark first changes in busy ASU football offseason

TEMPE – With the departure of OC Beau Baldwin and players already entering the transfer portal, Kenny Dillingham and ASU football begin a busy offseason after a rough 2023.

Although Jalin Conyers was a strong supporter of Arizona State and coach Kenny Dillingham during his time in Tempe, he announced Wednesday that he would transfer. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

End of an era: Ray Anderson resigns as athletic director of ASU

On Monday, Ray Anderson announced his resignation as the vice president of university athletics at Arizona State, effective immediately. It was a decision that many fans supported.

Arizona State parted ways Monday with athletic director Ray Anderson, who said, “We have entered an unprecedented era where the number and magnitude of changes in the college sports landscape are astounding.”

Big 12 announces conference schedules for ASU, Arizona football in 2024-2027 seasons

PHOENIX – The Big 12 announced on Wednesday the conference schedules for the future 16 teams from 2024 to 2027, including the schedules for ASU and Arizona.

Cincinnati celebrating a touchdown score during a game.

8 days: How side-by-side hirings of Sanders, Dillingham helped inject life into Pac-12

TEMPE – Who knew that eight days in late 2022 would help inject life into a Pac-12 college football season that was supposed to be defined by the conference’s demise? Behind the hirings of Deion Sanders, Kenny Dillingham.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and Colorado coach Deion Sanders reenergize their respective programs and set the stage for Saturday's highly anticipated matchup. (Photo by Griffin Greenberg/Cronkite News and Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

Calling the shots: Kenny Dillingham, ASU football discover offensive mojo despite loss to Trojans

TEMPE – ASU’s offense showed more signs of life than previous games with Kenny Dillingham calling the plays during Saturday’s 42-28 loss to USC, but the first-year ASU coach believes there is still room for improvement.

ASU Head Coach Kenny Dillingham Calling Plays

‘I’m supposed to be here’: ASU reserve quarterback Jacob Conover ready if needed against USC

TEMPE – Facing a series of injuries in ASU's quarterback lineup, Jacob Conover, a transfer from BYU, is prepared and waiting for his chance to shine in the upcoming matchup against USC.

Qb Throws

‘Nobody cares’: Kenny Dillingham, ASU football not wallowing in first home shutout since 1988

TEMPE – After being shutout at home by Fresno State, Kenny Dillingham knows there is lots of room for improvement with offensive struggles and injury issues.

Dillinham podium

Early growing pains: ASU football reflects on noticeable flaws during first two games

TEMPE – Two games into the 2023 season, Arizona State football has noticeable flaws at offensive line and questions at quarterback for Kenny Dillingham to address going forward.

Facing adversity head-on, ASU football looks to turn lessons from Saturday's first early-season loss into opportunities for growth entering Saturday's game against Fresno State. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

ASU boosters, team react to news, timing of self-imposed bowl ban

TEMPE – Amid a backlash from fans and boosters over an 11th-hour self-imposed bowl ban, Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham wants his team to put the issue in the past and focus on the upcoming season.

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham discusses the program’s self-imposed postseason ban for the upcoming season and starting quarterback Jaden Rashada’s progress in practice. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)