From Rodeo Dreams to Corporate Success, Parker Thomas Rides High

You’ve seen this movie before: a city kid relocates to the countryside, discovers a passion for rodeo and the outdoors, and juggles a love for sports with academic ambition. But unlike the Hollywood version, Parker Thomas ’16 didn’t end up riding bulls professionally. Instead, he traded his chaps for a business suit and now thrives as an Associate Director and Leadership Advisor at The Siegfried Group in Charlotte, N.C.

From Rodeo to Reality
Parker’s journey began on his family’s ranch in Fulshear, Texas, where he learned about discipline, hard work, and horsemanship. His sister pursued barrel racing and calf roping, while Parker tried his hand at competitive riding and, briefly, bull riding. However, after a few harrowing encounters with bucking bulls, including a painful run-in with a metal chute pole, Parker decided to leave the rodeo arena behind.

Instead, he focused his energy on baseball. A southpaw with talent for pitching, batting, and playing first base, Parker began dedicating himself to the sport year-round. His natural abilities and passion earned him scholarships to Texarkana College and later Weatherford College. When Weatherford’s scouts caught wind of his skills, Parker’s baseball career gained momentum, culminating in his recruitment to the University of Central Florida (UCF).

A Southpaw’s Academic Curveball
At UCF, Parker pursued a degree in accounting while balancing the rigorous demands of being a Division I student-athlete. He juggled early-morning workouts, classes, practices, and late-night study sessions with the help of a tight-knit group of fellow athletes. Parker credits his time at UCF with teaching him resilience and the importance of preparation, both on the field and in the classroom.

Though his baseball dreams didn’t lead to the major leagues, Parker knew his talents could thrive in another arena. Inspired by his cousin, Charlie Adams, a partner at a Big Four accounting firm, Parker began considering a career in finance. Charlie’s mentorship helped Parker pivot toward his ultimate goal: success in the business world.

Breaking into the Business World
After graduating, Parker joined PwC as an auditor. The transition wasn’t without its challenges, but Parker approached his new role with the same dedication he brought to baseball. “I couldn’t let myself fail,” he recalls. “I wanted to honor the opportunity my cousin helped me secure.”

At PwC, Parker quickly proved himself, managing large teams and delivering impactful results for clients. But after several years, he felt a pull toward leadership advisory work. He found his next big opportunity at The Siegfried Group, where he now helps financial executives navigate complex challenges while honing their leadership skills. For Parker, the role blends his technical expertise with his love for mentorship and relationship building.

Facing Adversity with Strength
While Parker’s career was on the rise, he and his wife Heather (also a UCF alum and former student-athlete) faced one of life’s toughest challenges: the loss of their first child, Delilah. The Thomases sought solace through counseling and their faith, eventually finding healing and joy in the birth of their son, Baker.

Through their grief, Parker and Heather became advocates for mental health support, particularly for young professionals and student-athletes navigating life’s transitions. “Talking to someone can make a world of difference,” Parker says. “It’s okay to seek help and share your struggles.”

Staying Connected to His Roots
Now based in Charlotte, Parker remains deeply connected to UCF. He serves as Vice Chairman of National Networking Knights, an event that brings alumni together across the country. He’s also involved in the Leatherheads, a division of the Charlotte Sports Foundation dedicated to supporting major sporting events in the area.

For Parker, these connections aren’t just about giving back—they’re about celebrating the community that shaped him. “I’m proud to be a UCF Knight,” he says. “It’s incredible to see how our alumni are making an impact in so many different fields.”

Lessons from the Diamond
Parker sees clear parallels between his athletic background and his professional success. “Whether you’re pitching in a game or presenting in a meeting, preparation is everything,” he says. His advice for fellow student-athletes transitioning to the workforce? Treat every opportunity like a high-stakes game: stay focused, adapt to challenges, and always strive to improve.

As Parker continues to build his career and support his UCF community, he reflects on the journey that brought him here—from the ranch to the boardroom, from the baseball diamond to the office. It’s a path marked by resilience, adaptability, and the drive to make a difference—qualities that every athlete carries with them long after the final whistle blows.

Go Knights!