University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Alumna Spotlight: Tyler Walker
11/30/2020 9:34:00 AM | Softball
Tyler Walker was a member of the Golden Gopher softball team from 2011-15. Hailing from San Jose, Calif., Walker was a First Team All-Big Ten, Minnesota's first three-time first-team all-conference selection. In 2015, she finished her career with the fifth-highest batting average (.375), second-highest slugging percentage (.677), third-highest on-base percentage (.462) and second-highest home run total (43) in program history. Following her Gopher career, Walker went on to pursue a degree in nursing. See what Walker is up to now and how she reflects on her Minnesota Softball career.
What led you to the University of Minnesota?
Tyler Walker: I chose the University of Minnesota for a few reasons. The biggest reason was, I was in absolute awe of the vision that the coaching staff had for the softball program. Coach Allister, Merchant and Ritter wanted to build a winning program, create a unique culture, and leave a legacy we would be proud of. As a high school athlete all of those things sounded so amazing and there was no way I wanted to miss out on helping achieve that vision!
Can you give us an update as to what you've been up to since you graduated?
TW: After graduating from the U of M, I went to St. Catherine University in St. Paul to achieve one of my life long goals of becoming a nurse. I graduated in May of this year and moved to Seattle, Wash. I am currently working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, where I get to support women and families during a very special moment in their lives! I still can't believe it is my job! I feel so honored to be able to be involved in such a process. Next to playing for the Gophers, becoming a nurse was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Have you been able to maintain contact with your former teammates and if so, how?
TW: I talk to at least one of the teammates every day! I can't even put into words how lucky I am to have met such amazing women. I stayed in Minnesota for five years after graduating because I was nowhere close to saying good-bye to those amazing ladies. They are hands down the best part of my whole journey! It has been so amazing to see a few of them get married and start having babies! We still have a very active group chat that we communicate through quite often and they are the first people I go to when something exciting or new happens. To be honest, they are my sisters and most definitely, my life long friends.
As an alum, what was your reaction when another alum in Piper was named the head coach?
TW: I went through a mixture of emotions when I found out about Coach Ritter! I was immediately pumped to hear that she was the new head coach, because she absolutely deserved it. Then, I got so jealous of the girls that get to play under her. Her passion for the game is incredible and her joy is contagious! Just thinking about how my graduating class would have probably driven her crazy with our antics, gives me a good laugh!
What did you learn from Gopher softball (or sports in general) that you've been able to use after college?
TW: There are so many things that I have learned from being a part of Gopher softball. I would say the biggest things would be to always maintain integrity in the things I do and never, never be late.
What advice would you give to current Gopher student-athletes?
TW: I know everyone says four years goes by so fast but it is so true. Just live in the moment. Use every lesson as a learning opportunity. Have fun and smile while you're on the field, the track, or in the gym. We are so lucky to have the chance to wear maroon and gold while doing what we love with some of the greatest people we will ever meet!
What led you to the University of Minnesota?
Tyler Walker: I chose the University of Minnesota for a few reasons. The biggest reason was, I was in absolute awe of the vision that the coaching staff had for the softball program. Coach Allister, Merchant and Ritter wanted to build a winning program, create a unique culture, and leave a legacy we would be proud of. As a high school athlete all of those things sounded so amazing and there was no way I wanted to miss out on helping achieve that vision!
Can you give us an update as to what you've been up to since you graduated?
TW: After graduating from the U of M, I went to St. Catherine University in St. Paul to achieve one of my life long goals of becoming a nurse. I graduated in May of this year and moved to Seattle, Wash. I am currently working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, where I get to support women and families during a very special moment in their lives! I still can't believe it is my job! I feel so honored to be able to be involved in such a process. Next to playing for the Gophers, becoming a nurse was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Have you been able to maintain contact with your former teammates and if so, how?
TW: I talk to at least one of the teammates every day! I can't even put into words how lucky I am to have met such amazing women. I stayed in Minnesota for five years after graduating because I was nowhere close to saying good-bye to those amazing ladies. They are hands down the best part of my whole journey! It has been so amazing to see a few of them get married and start having babies! We still have a very active group chat that we communicate through quite often and they are the first people I go to when something exciting or new happens. To be honest, they are my sisters and most definitely, my life long friends.
As an alum, what was your reaction when another alum in Piper was named the head coach?
TW: I went through a mixture of emotions when I found out about Coach Ritter! I was immediately pumped to hear that she was the new head coach, because she absolutely deserved it. Then, I got so jealous of the girls that get to play under her. Her passion for the game is incredible and her joy is contagious! Just thinking about how my graduating class would have probably driven her crazy with our antics, gives me a good laugh!
What did you learn from Gopher softball (or sports in general) that you've been able to use after college?
TW: There are so many things that I have learned from being a part of Gopher softball. I would say the biggest things would be to always maintain integrity in the things I do and never, never be late.
What advice would you give to current Gopher student-athletes?
TW: I know everyone says four years goes by so fast but it is so true. Just live in the moment. Use every lesson as a learning opportunity. Have fun and smile while you're on the field, the track, or in the gym. We are so lucky to have the chance to wear maroon and gold while doing what we love with some of the greatest people we will ever meet!
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