July 29, 2011
Monroe Walker Tabbed Tennis Coach
Lamoni, IA - Graceland Director of Athletics Jeff Falkner is pleased to announce the hiring of Monroe Walker to the position of Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach.
"We are fortunate to have Coach Walker join our department, our university and our community," said Athletic Director Jeff Falkner. "His experiences as an NAIA student-athlete and a Division I assistant coach will serve him well in this role.
"Taking over for a legendary coach like Jerry Hampton is a difficult task but we think Monroe is ready for the challenge," finished Falkner.
Monroe will be taking over for long-time coach Jerry Hampton who is retiring after 33 years as Head Tennis Coach and over 60 years of dedication to the University.
"I'm excited to have Monroe here," said Coach Hampton about the hiring. "Monroe is a young, enthusiastic coach and although he hasn't had head coaching experience, his division-one assistant experience coupled with his personality should really help him bring continued success. I think Monroe will do a wonderful job at Graceland," finished Hampton.
Coach Walker played tennis collegiately and received his undergrad from NAIA affliated Xavier University in New Orleans before moving into coaching. He spent last year as an assistant for the men's and women's tennis teams at NCAA division I Tennessee State University where he is also completing his masters degree.
"I'm very excited and honored to be taking over as Head Tennis Coach at Graceland," said Walker about his new role. "The tennis program at Graceland University will continue to motivate, inspire, and empower students as they enter new phases of educational opportunities both academically and physically..
"This will present a new challenge that I'm very excited about and I look forward to carrying on the tradition of Graceland tennis."
"We are fortunate to have Coach Walker join our department, our university and our community," said Athletic Director Jeff Falkner. "His experiences as an NAIA student-athlete and a Division I assistant coach will serve him well in this role.
"Taking over for a legendary coach like Jerry Hampton is a difficult task but we think Monroe is ready for the challenge," finished Falkner.
Monroe will be taking over for long-time coach Jerry Hampton who is retiring after 33 years as Head Tennis Coach and over 60 years of dedication to the University.
"I'm excited to have Monroe here," said Coach Hampton about the hiring. "Monroe is a young, enthusiastic coach and although he hasn't had head coaching experience, his division-one assistant experience coupled with his personality should really help him bring continued success. I think Monroe will do a wonderful job at Graceland," finished Hampton.
Coach Walker played tennis collegiately and received his undergrad from NAIA affliated Xavier University in New Orleans before moving into coaching. He spent last year as an assistant for the men's and women's tennis teams at NCAA division I Tennessee State University where he is also completing his masters degree.
"I'm very excited and honored to be taking over as Head Tennis Coach at Graceland," said Walker about his new role. "The tennis program at Graceland University will continue to motivate, inspire, and empower students as they enter new phases of educational opportunities both academically and physically..
"This will present a new challenge that I'm very excited about and I look forward to carrying on the tradition of Graceland tennis."