MARIETTA, GA —  Today, Life University Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast announced an internal promotion for Tim Walker, promoting Walker to lead the women's volleyball program, beginning immediately.

Walker's internal promotion comes after spending the previous two seasons working with the women's volleyball program.

In his first year, Walker served alongside late Head Coach Carlos Soler as an assistant coach. In that season, the Running Eagles went 13-12 before Walker served as Acting Head Coach for the 2023 season, increasing the teams overall record to 16-11. In the 2023 season, four individuals were named to SSAC All-Conference teams while Lela Parker also received recognition on the conference's All-Freshman Team. The team's primary setter, Naomi Eckert Rivera, was named the Southern States Setter of the Year as Walker was named the SSAC Assistant Coach of the Year.

Another HUGE congratulations to these incredible individuals for getting recognized with prestigious @ssacsports yearly honors!! 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/qDaOSvwYLy

— Life Running Eagles (@LifeUAthletics) November 9, 2023

Working through unforeseen hardships and affliction, Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast applauded Walker's perseverance this season, stating, "Many go through their career without experiencing the level of adversity that we faced as a team this year.  Tim's professionalism and leadership through it all was incredible, and naming him head coach is one of the easiest decisions I've had.  I know how much Tim meant to our late head coach, Carlos Soler, and I can't think of a better way to honor Carlos than to continue in the direction we were heading.  Tim has demonstrated a high level of volleyball acumen, he's a diligent administrator, and a person of high values and alignment with our department's vision.  I have so much confidence in Tim's abilities and look forward to supporting him in carrying out his vision for our women's volleyball program."

Walker shared his excitement and gratefulness for the opportunity.

"Coming to Life University last year was a very tough decision! I left my then full-time job and brand-new promotion to follow my purpose in coaching collegiate volleyball at a high level. Faced with tough decisions and financial sacrifices, I was driven to give my all to this program. Under the direction of Carlos Soler, I learned so much from his loving nature through culture and community, extensive knowledge of the game, and his advanced growth mindset. He restored my faith in humanity and gave me an opportunity with his complete trust as the foundation."

Despite success on the court, Walker's experience was far from ideal.

"This season we were plagued with so many obstacles and unfortunate circumstances, which were far from what we all would've imagined. Carlos was hospitalized during preseason and as time progressed, we were seeing his health decline. Already dealing with one of the toughest times of our season, September 29^th proved that this journey would get a lot more difficult. When I got the news of Carlos' passing, it came 15 minutes before we took the court against the University of Mobile. I remember getting the girls set up for warmups and then walking outside in complete devastation and shock. This feeling was like nothing I've ever felt before, and at that moment I felt lost and depleted. In that win against Mobile, there was a spark! An energy present that fueled all of us, and I knew then it was Carlos passing the torch and giving his blessing!

Here I was faced with an opportunity to display the same dedication and love for our program that he showed every day here. I woke up each morning encouraged and committed to the process, because I knew the vision we both wanted and agreed on. I want to thank the entire Athletics Department and Support Staff for all the assistance, sacrifices, and love they gave to our program! To Jayme, our phenomenal Athletic Director, you showed me so much love, support, and trust that I am forever grateful beyond words. Without you all, none of this would be possible. To my dear friend, Carlitos Soler-Portela, I dedicate this experience to you. Your legacy will live on forever here and I will honor you every step of the way. I'm super excited to continue my journey here as Head Women's Volleyball Coach at Life University! GO RUNNING EAGLES!"

Walker's wealth of experience speaks for itself. Currently coaching for the #1 club in the country, Walker has spent the last 13 years developing high level athletes at both the club and high school level. At A5 Gwinnett Volleyball Club, he serves as Lead Master Coach, 17-1 National Head Coach, and 12-1 National Assistant. Walker is also a member of the AVCA and was a 2020 Diversity Leadership Award Recipient for his outstanding efforts to embrace diversity within the volleyball community. 

Walker holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, double majoring in International Business and Affairs and Investment Analysis from Georgia Gwinnett College in 2017.