Softball | 6/28/2024 9:04:00 AM
OPSU Aggies Welcome Jim Walker as New Head Softball Coach
Goodwell, OK- OPSU is excited to announce the hiring of Jim Walker as the new head coach for the Aggies softball team. Walker brings experience and a proven track record of success to the program, having spent the last four years at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC).
During his tenure with the SMWC Pomeroys, Walker led the team to back-to-back River States Conference Tournament championships in 2022 and 2023. Under his guidance, the Pomeroys made impressive strides, advancing to the NAIA National Championships in the program's first two seasons as a member of the NAIA. Walker's leadership played a significant role in establishing a winning culture, which included producing 91 USCAA All-Academic Team Members, 49 USCAA All-Americans, 12 National Championship teams, five USCAA National Award Winners, and achieving a remarkable program winning percentage of .629 (660-388).
"We are excited to welcome Jim Walker to the Aggie family," said OPSU President Julie Dinger. "His extensive experience and proven track record of success make him an excellent fit for our program. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes and the continued success of our softball team."
Before his successful stint at SMWC, Walker served as the Associate Head Softball Coach at Carlow University from 2006-2011, followed by a season with NCAA Division II Wheeling Jesuit University.
In 2013, he took on the role of Head Softball Coach at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he also served as the NCAA Compliance Officer and Director of Recruiting. At Franciscan University, Walker transformed the Lady Barons softball program into a conference championship contender, achieving 60 of the program's 68 all-time wins.
He coached 13 NFCA Scholar-Athletes and 10 PAC All-Conference student-athletes, earning the title of 2017 AMCC Coach of the Year and becoming the winningest head coach in the university's history.
Walker's extensive coaching experience includes serving as an Assistant Coach with the Pennsylvania Rebellion, a professional fastpitch softball team from Washington, Pennsylvania, from 2015-2018. His teams have consistently excelled, with highlights including coaching the 2018 NCAA Division III Team Leader in Stolen Bases, the 2019 Fifth Place NCAA Division III Team Leader in Stolen Bases, the 2016 NPF Playoff team, the 2019 AMCC Conference-Runner Up team, and the 2019 ECAC Regional team
"We are confident that Coach Walker's experience and leadership will elevate our softball program to new heights," said OPSU Athletic Director Victor Esparza. "His commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with our values and goals. We are excited to see the growth and success our team will achieve under his guidance."
In addition to his coaching achievements, Walker is actively involved in the Miracle League of Pittsburgh and the National Federation Coaches Association. He is also a Certified ASA Softball Umpire and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Walker earned his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology from Argosy University. He is a native of Hookstown, Pennsylvania. He is the proud father of two daughters, Courtney and Caitlin.
Walker stated "I am truly blessed to join the OPSU athletic staff and to become an Aggie.
I would like to thank President Dinger, AD Esparza and the entire search committee for their support. I am thankful for my time at SMWC and the opportunity to work with so many great student athletes and people. But I am ready to get to work in making OPSU a program that can compete for National Championships every year.
Throughout the interview process and my time on campus I could tell this is where I was meant to be".
