A handful of Knights will travel to Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics (July 21 – August 8) and Paralympics (August 24 – September 5). UCF has a storied history of Olympians through the years, and this year will be no exception. Several alumni look to achieve their moment of glory on the podium while another will maintain the integrity of the sports as an official.
Steve Anderson ’05 ’07MA
Referee, men’s basketball
After attending the 2016 Rio Olympics as the only U.S. referee for the men’s basketball competition, Anderson returns to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. His career as an official has taken him around the world through his work with FIBA, the NBA and NCAA college basketball.
Anderson is one of the most successful graduates of the Recreation and Wellness Center’s intramural officiating program and the UCF Basketball Officiating class, which is celebrating its 25th year. After earning his bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness in 2005, Anderson accepted a graduate assistant position at UCF’s recreation department, allowing him to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership. In addition to his continued work as an official, he also served as a mentor to younger referees within the program.
Anderson officiated the bronze medal match between Australia and Spain in 2016, which he considers to be one of the highlights of his…
