Cezar Olivas ('99 BA, Political Science)

Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, and was raised in the small town of Felt, Oklahoma. Out of high school, I had the honor of being recruited to the Movin’ Mavs by our coach Jim Hayes and with that began my journey into the adaptive sports world. After graduating from UTA, I dedicated myself to wheelchair basketball and playing on the international stage. That venture gave me the opportunity of win my place on the Mexican National Team that qualified for the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. After competing for several years in wheelchair basketball, I spent the next 15 years working with PER4MAX Wheelchairs. I was able to work with many athletes from around the world and place them in highly custom competitive sports wheelchairs.

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
The summer after graduating from high school, I actually had enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, but in late July, Coach Jim Hayes called me and offered me a scholarship to come to UTA and play ball. How could I say no?

What did you study at UTA? What attracted you to that field?
I studied political science and Spanish. Originally, I wanted to continue my education in law school, but after realizing that was not in the cards, I decided to add Spanish as a second degree instead. That wasn’t an easy decision, but after many conversations with Dr. Saxe from the political science department, decisions were made with no regrets whatsoever. Thank you, Dr. Saxe.

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
My UTA experience was very unique and rewarding, by far. The lessons and experience from being a part of this diverse university, I will carry with me forever. Additionally, being part of the Movin’ Mavs gave me the opportunity to compete with athletes around the country and the world. As student-athletes, we are privileged at times to be able to travel and be a part of a team; but the beauty of that is that we are able to apply what we learn on the court onto our own lives, careers, and beyond.

What is your current professional position? What do you do in this role?
My current professional position is Assistant Director of Adapted Sports & Recreation here at UTA. In my position, I oversee the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams and all adapted sports on campus.

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
To be frank, this was not a path by design, but more so of opportunity. The diversity of people, cultures, and backgrounds through my athletic and professional careers has taught me the true meanings of compassion, understanding, and most importantly, patience.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
Coach Jim Hayes used to always tell us “it’s not rocket science." I’ve tried to apply that to all aspects of my adult life in some sort of way. Truly, what it’s taught me is that it isn’t always as hard or as difficult as it may seem, especially if you’ve prepared or adjusted properly to what may come.

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Embrace this student life and soak up all that it has to offer.

Anything else you would like to share?
I am very grateful that my life has made a full circle and that I am once again on campus but with different perspectives and challenges ahead. It’s an honor to once again be a part of UTA and the Movin’ Mavs program.