SAN MARCOS– Chase Wasson, formerly a three-year letterman and captain as a standout quarterback and all-conference wide receiver at Texas State University, currently serves as Vice President at Caris Life Sciences in the healthcare sector.
During his time at Texas State from 2003 to 2007, Wasson earned a degree in communications before pursuing further education at the University of Oklahoma. He attributes much of his professional approach to the formative experiences and values imparted by coaches David Baliff and Tom Herman during his college years.
“Coach Herman passed on many life lessons that I still use today in the corporate world,” Wasson said. “I still use many of the cliche sayings Coach Baliff passed on in the locker room everyday.”
With a decorated athletic background, Wasson transitioned his career from sports to corporate America, crediting his success to foundational qualities learned as an athlete.
“Life has taken me to a variety of places post football,” Wasson said. “The life lessons learned in the locker room, being in the huddle, and understanding how to persevere through adversity is ultimately what has put me in a position to excel more off the field than on the field.”
Wasson hosts the podcast “Win the Day,” where he explores healthcare trends and strategies for personal and professional growth, reflecting a mindset focused on positive impact within his life and community.
With 17 years of experience in healthcare, Wasson has developed expertise across multiple verticals including biopharmaceuticals, medical advice, and cancer diagnostics, specializing in driving corporate performance and enhancing patient care outcomes.
Interestingly, Wasson never considered a career path in the health care sector; rather, the path chose him. His charismatic personality and leadership skills developed from his athletic background have enabled him to establish himself in the corporate realm.
“My background following my football career, I never thought I would be in the health care sector,” Wasson said. “However those past experiences of being around a lot of personalities, backgrounds, and cultures inside a locker room have really equipped me to mold teams now and create that same sense of comradery.”
Recognized as a global healthcare influencer, Wasson was nominated by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) as an industry partner for his significant contributions to advancing patient care and healthcare practices.
“I was nominated as an industry partner, a vendor, in the healthcare space as one of the most influential individuals 40 under 40, making waves and impact on patient care and healthcare,” Wasson said. “That was something, from a career standpoint, that has been a true blessing.”
Wasson attributes his achievements in the corporate arena to his foundation as a student-athlete at Texas State University. Obtaining his degree from Texas State opened doors to a wealth of opportunities.
“Putting that Texas State degree on my resume really catapulted me early in my career,” Wasson said. “If you’re going for jobs in the Texas area, it resonates with people. It’s a high value degree.”
Wasson initially envisioned a career in sports, either as a player or an agent, thriving in that competitive atmosphere. He believed this path would define his future. However, a senior-year injury at Oklahoma altered his trajectory, prompting a shift towards success in the corporate world.
His introduction to influential figures in the mental healthcare field catalyzed Wasson’s career transition. He attributes his achievements and opportunities to the degree he earned at Texas State University.
Following his collegiate football career at Texas State and Oklahoma, Wasson has held roles at several notable pharmaceutical companies, currently serving as Vice President of Caris Life Sciences.
Caris Life Sciences specializes in molecular science and artificial intelligence, providing patients with more precise and personalized options for cancer treatment decisions. Wasson has served as Vice President for three years.
During his playing career, Wasson had no idea that a future in corporate America awaited him. He had different visions for his future, but as life progressed, his plans began to unravel. Now one of the most influential figures in global healthcare, Wasson has firmly established himself in his respected field.
Wasson emphasizes the importance and impact that a degree from Texas State has on an individual’s career trajectory. As a former student athlete himself, Wasson understands the aspirations of athletes who dream of making it to the NFL.
Wasson cleverly refers to the NFL as “not for long,” a mindset that helped him navigate his future career path. He encourages student athletes at Texas State to adopt this perspective, recognizing its potential in establishing careers beyond football.
In guiding his career and advising others, Wasson underscores the transformative role of education and strategic thinking in achieving success beyond athletic pursuits.
Wasson’s football career was impressive, but his achievements beyond the field are even more notable. Transitioning to healthcare corporate roles, he applied skills honed in athletics, quickly becoming a globally recognized figure in the industry. Wasson not only has a busy schedule in his professional career but also in his personal life, as he and his wife are the proud parents of three children.
He passionately encourages athletes to pursue careers both in sports and beyond, hoping his story inspires current student athletes as they navigate their own career paths. Wasson’s journey stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those at Texas State and beyond.
