Cathy Sanderson began her involvement in officiating track and field meets in the Tacoma area as a timer in 1996. The past 20 years have seen her grow into one of the top officials in the area. She attended clinics with USTAF staff to earn official certification and was the lead track official during regular high school meets. She quickly advanced to become the head official for District and State competitions at Mt. Tahoma High School.

Sanderson became the treasurer and head assigner for all track and field officials with the Western Washington Officials Organization in 2003. The organization runs all track meets for the Tacoma School District.