Name: Jym Walters
Position: Head women's lacrosse coach; assistant women’s tennis coach; assistant swimming coach
Years at Saint Vincent: Since my freshman year of 1992!
Undergraduate Alma Mater/Year: Saint Vincent College, C’96
Undergraduate Degree: B.A., Sociology
College Playing Experience: Four years of varsity cross country; four years of varsity tennis; two years of varsity lacrosse.
Graduate Degree/Alma Mater: M.S. in Higher Education Administration/Florida State University
Why did you choose to pursue a coaching career?
My college coaches, Tom Harbert and Enrico Campi, inspired me to pursue a coaching career at the college level. My first gig was head field hockey coach at Saint Vincent College after a phone call from Bearcat legend, the late Kristen Zawacki.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy the travel that comes along with working with so many teams. I’ve driven vans filled with Bearcats to a lot of places - follow @SVC48in48 on Instagram to see some of these adventures! My favorite part of lacrosse is the fall ball sunrise runs.
What makes Saint Vincent College an enjoyable place at which to coach?
Being an alumnus of Saint Vincent College, I have had the honor of coaching generations of Bearcats. The hospitality I’ve received by the Benedictine community and the extended Saint Vincent community has been remarkable. Saint Vincent College is family.
Favorite Movie?
"Young Guns.”
Favorite television show?
"Game of Thrones.”
Favorite band/singer?
Jimmy Buffet
Favorite restaurant?
Don Patron’s
Who is your favorite athlete of all-time?
Serena Williams. I’ve watched a ton of her matches with my daughter!
What is your favorite current athlete?
Kenny Pickett, even though he beat Wake Forest in the ACC Championship.
On a day off from coaching and away from campus, what can you be found doing?
Exploring the Laurel Highlands.
What is your proudest coaching accomplishment?
There are a lot. Winning back-to-back women’s lacrosse conference championships in 2014 and 2015; coaching Maggie Nelson, who graduated in 2018 as the owner of six NCAA national records; and in 2015, Susie Ellis winning the PAC singles tennis championship and then teaming with Jackii Hauser to win the doubles championship.
Who is a coach that you look up to?
I’ve gotten to watch several PAC championship runs for the SVC women’s basketball team, and Jimmy Petruska is a great all-around coach. His gameday adjustments, time management, subbing and composure on the bench are all top-notch.
Do you have any superstitions?
I’m not superstitious… just a little stitious.
Why should a student-athlete consider attending Saint Vincent College?
The setting, hospitality and tradition are things I love about being a Bearcat, and are what I want to be able to share with future generations.
