A leader is needed to fit the role of director over a university’s entire track and field program, and Vincent Walker fits the mold. He does so at Valparaiso University (VU), where he also naturally oversees the school’s cross-country team. Coaching wasn’t the first career option for him growing up, however.
Throughout his childhood, he spent time in Oglesby, Illinois, near Starved Rock State Park. Walker originally dreamt of becoming a graphic designer, but one day that dream would ultimately change. He attended LaSalle-Peru Township High School, where the thoughts of pursuing a path of athletic-medicine or teaching stood out to him.
Walker’s journey toward becoming a coach was set in motion by his own slight reluctance. One activity fair prior to the start of his high school career opened his eyes to the commitments of runners. He would meet another leader of the lanes who was working a similar job to his current one.
“It’s funny because I never saw myself being a coach. The night before freshman year, they did a welcome fair for all the new students. My parents encouraged me to get involved in something, so I checked out the cross country table,” he said. “I talked with the coach, and he told me, ‘Put your name down on this paper, and we’ll see you tomorrow in the cafeteria after school.’”
Walker might’ve shown up to his first practice in a beat-up pair of Vans meant for skateboarding, but they enabled him to wear professional running shoes at the meets he attends. He got involved in the same ways while studying at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, which furthered his devotion to his sport.
After his college graduation, Walker jumped around a bit. He took on several coaching gigs at college campuses, including one at the University of Minnesota, and eventually came across an opening in Northwest Indiana at VU. He got his start with the university in the spring season of 2022. April marked his three-year anniversary with them, and every part of it has been a joy.
“As a director, I watch over the whole program. My big coaching philosophy is, at this level, that I’m not here to help athletes get faster; I’m really here to develop younger individuals to get them the skills that are going to help them be successful later in life, and I only know how to do that through running,” he said.
Walker appreciates the opportunities he gets to become closer with VU’s student-athletes. He’s driven to foster positive relationships with them. His overall expertise and leadership awareness help mentor young men and women through their passions and professional priorities. His ability to remain mindful of the large size of his mentees’ lives keeps him capable of forming solid bonds.
“I feel it’s such an important time in my athletes’ lives. They’re away from home, they’re starting to learn the adult world, and they’re trying to figure things out by themselves,” he said. “It’s so rewarding when I hear from them after they graduate and they call to say, ‘Coach, I landed my dream job!’ or ‘Coach, I’m getting married!’ Watching that transition and growth is special.”
Elevating others to become the best versions of themselves is something that Walker has familiarity with. He’s made it a main goal of his to devote time to making it easier for others to follow in his footsteps.
Due to what his vocation allows him to do, Walker understands his good fortune. It’s a privilege for which he’s grateful.
“I like seeing athletes struggle as they come up. They think they’re not capable of something, but then I watch them find the success to do what they couldn’t,” he said. “That look on their face and that light in their eye is the reason I’ll show up every single day with that same fire to do what I do. I’m fortunate to have my job. If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, and I feel that.”
Outside of work, Walker is a certified scuba instructor. He’s hiked over 200 miles during five days when he lived in the wilderness. It wouldn’t be uncommon to find him out cycling or rock-climbing either, as he loves a good outdoor adventure.
The love that Walker had for art as a child has carried with him to this day. Whenever he gets any creative ideas, he’ll make attempts to capture them. He makes sure to portray them on paper, a canvas, or through the computer. He enjoys staying busy, and he’s always attempting to get his hands on new things.
The majority of Walker’s family still resides back in Illinois. However, Valparaiso has slowly transformed itself into a home for Walker. He cherishes the strong sense of community that reaches all the city’s corners.
“I love the community around me here. The moment I set foot on VU’s campus, I knew that this place had it. Everyone I bumped into talked to me as if they’d known me for 15 or more years. It was the craziest thing,” he said. “Since I’ve lived here, my wife and I have gotten a great experience simply out of how friendly and supportive everyone has been, both at the university and out in the town.”