Nebraska Head Soccer Coach John Walker has received a contract extension through the 2027 season, Nebraska Vice Chancellor, Director of Athletics Trev Alberts announced on Friday, Feb. 2.
“We are fortunate to have a leader like Coach Walker in charge of our soccer program,” Alberts said. “John and his team had a remarkable season in 2023, reaching the Elite Eight and earning a share of the Big Ten Conference Championship. His teams play with toughness, tenacity, and teamwork which is a testament to his leadership. It is also impressive to me that Coach Walker has been our head coach for three decades, but he has continued to adapt and improve to ensure Nebraska Soccer continues to compete at a high level.”
The only head coach in Nebraska soccer history, Walker completed his 30th season at the helm in 2023, leading his team to a 17-4-3 record, a Big Ten Championship and an Elite Eight appearance. Additionally, the 2023 Big Ten Coach of the Year and his staff were named the North Region Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches, and the team ended the year ranked No. 7.
“First, I am thankful to Trev Alberts, Jamie Vaughn and Jonathan Bateman for the opportunity to continue to lead our soccer program and their ongoing support,” Walker said. “I am so appreciative of our soccer staff and all the great people within our athletic department and the work they do behind the scenes to help all our teams and student athletes.”
“Finally and most importantly, I want to thank our players. I get a chance to work daily with a driven group of exceptionally talented and competitive student athletes that inspire me to be at my best every day. Their commitment to development, competition and each other is outstanding. Our team achieved great success this past season, and I am committed to helping them improve and reach their potential in 2024.”
A coach of the year in both the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences, Walker has amassed a 365-193-61 record at Nebraska. In his 30 seasons leading the program, Walker has won 11 conference titles while leading the Huskers to 13 NCAA Tournaments, nine NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and three trips to the Elite Eight.
