College of Western Idaho Names First Athletic Director as School Builds New Sports Program
The College of Western Idaho has appointed its first-ever athletic director, marking a significant step forward as the Treasure Valley community college works to establish a full collegiate athletics program for its students.
CWI selected Mahmood Sheikh for the newly created role, with Sheikh set to begin June 1. He had been serving the institution since last fall as assistant chief advancement officer for strategic initiatives, giving college leadership a firsthand look at his capabilities before elevating him to lead the athletics buildout.
Sheikh brings more than a decade of collegiate athletics experience to the position, including leadership work at two major universities — the University of Idaho in Moscow, where he was born and earned his degree, and the University of Colorado Boulder. That combination of fundraising background and operational experience in collegiate sports programs is precisely what CWI said it was looking for as it builds from the ground up.
Leadership Sets the Foundation
CWI President Gordon Jones expressed confidence in the hire, saying Sheikh “brings a combination of strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and deep experience in athletics” and that he “understands how to develop sustainable models, cultivate community partnerships, and create opportunities that put students first.”
Jones added that he expects Sheikh to “lay a strong foundation for intramurals and athletics that support student success and help prepare our graduates to thrive.”
The college announced earlier this year its intention to add both intercollegiate athletics and intramural programs, framing the move as an expansion of student life and an opportunity for local students to compete at the college level while remaining close to home in the Treasure Valley. For many students who might otherwise leave the region for four-year athletic programs, a local option could prove a meaningful draw.
Endowment Model Aims for Long-Term Sustainability
One of the more notable aspects of CWI’s athletics plan is its funding approach. Rather than depending on annual fundraising cycles — a model that has strained athletic budgets at institutions across the country — CWI says it intends to build the program on an endowment-funded structure designed to support long-term operating costs. Fiscal sustainability from the outset appears to be a central priority.
The college has not yet announced which sports it plans to launch first or when competitive play will begin. Those decisions will likely fall to Sheikh as one of his first major tasks in the new role.
The hiring comes as Magic Valley’s own community calendar continues to fill up with events drawing residents out this summer, and as interest in southern Idaho’s public amenities — from parks to recreation — remains strong. Earlier this year, southern Idaho parks recorded more than 430,000 visits, reflecting the region’s growing appetite for community programming and outdoor activity.
Twin Falls and Its Waterfalls Draw Regional Attention
Separate from the CWI news, Twin Falls itself has been drawing renewed attention as a destination for travelers throughout the region. Shoshone Falls, located on the Snake River, stands 212 feet tall and stretches 900 feet wide — measurements that make it 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls and among the largest natural waterfalls in the United States.
The City of Twin Falls owns and operates Shoshone Falls Park, which charges $5 per vehicle or $25 for a seasonal pass. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk and includes wheelchair-accessible overlooks. Spring snowmelt typically brings peak water flows, with heavy snow years capable of pushing flows to 20,000 cubic feet per second.
Perrine Coulee Falls, a 200-foot waterfall tucked into the Snake River Canyon roughly 17 minutes from Shoshone Falls, offers a different experience — visitors can hike a half-mile trail and walk directly behind the falls, though steep and rocky sections make sturdy footwear advisable.
What Comes Next
Mahmood Sheikh officially begins his role as CWI’s athletic director on June 1. College leadership is expected to follow up with announcements on which sports will launch first and a projected timeline for competition. Community members interested in CWI’s athletics development can watch for updates directly from the college as the program takes shape through the summer and into the academic year.