Phx Native Walker Accepts Top Job At Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee recently
announced the hiring of Phoenix native, Andy Walker, as the new head coach of the men’s golf
program. The announcement comes just weeks after the transformational $6.5 million
commitment from GameAbove to support EMU Golf.
A four-time national champion as a player and coach, Walker arrives in Ypsilanti with an
extensive head coaching resume, including stops at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU),
Lynn University, and South Mountain Community College (SMCC). As a student-athlete,
Walker helped Pepperdine University capture the 1997 NCAA National Championship before
embarking on an 11-year pro playing career. He graduated from Pepperdine in 1998 with a
Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and was inducted into the Pepperdine
Sports Hall of Fame.
The 49-year-old Walker recently completed his third season as head coach at VCU. Under his
leadership, VCU men’s golf has seen a dramatic rise in performance and reputation. Walker
inherited a team ranked No. 187 in the nation and transformed them into a top-40 powerhouse
within just two and a half seasons. His recruiting, player development, and exceptional coaching
have resulted in four of the six lowest-scoring team rounds in the program’s history occurring
during his tenure. Walker’s ability to cultivate talent is evident in the accolades earned by his
players, including seven different Atlantic 10 Conference selections, two A10 Rookies of the
Year, one A10 Player of the Year, and four Academic All-Americans.
“I’d like to thank Scott Wetherbee, Dan McLean, and GameAbove for this great opportunity,”
Walker added. “Life is about opportunity and taking advantage when opportunity arises. Eastern Golf is in the midst of a transformation that not too many programs around the country have the benefit of being a part of. EMU and GameAbove are giving the student athletes and our coaching staff the chance to have the best resources not only in the MAC, but the entire NCAA. I’m honored to be chosen to lead the Eagles and can’t wait to start on our shared quest of winning a National Championship.” (EMU)