While reshaping the future of the women’s basketball program, St. Thomas University has looked to the past.
Candace Walker was named head coach of the Bobcats, returning to her alma mater where she served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
Walker previously spent the last four seasons at NCAA Division I Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Bobcat family once again,” said Walker, who earned a Master’s Degree in sports administration. “To be able to return to such a prestigious university and to be at the helm of such an established and successful program is truly a blessing. I am beyond excited about what we can accomplish here as a group, both in the classroom and on the court.”
Walker thanked Bobcats director of Athletics, Laura Courtley-Todd, for the opportunity to lead the women’s team.
“I want to thank her for the opportunity to return and coach Robin Harmony for taking me under her wing, molding me and preparing me for this opportunity. I look forward to the journey ahead.”
Prior to her tenure at Lamer, Walker was an assistant coach at St. Thomas for two seasons under Harmony, who became head coach at Lamar in 2013.
“Candace was a tremendous assistant coach,” said Harmony. “The experience she gained at the Division I level will prove to be invaluable. She has grown as a person and as a coach and she is ready to be a head coach. Candace is familiar with St. Thomas, and that knowledge will pay off. I am sorry to lose her as an assistant, but I am happy that she is getting her opportunity to be a head coach.”
Walker helped Lamar win a Southland Conference regular-season championship and a berth in the WNIT in 2013-14, and place second in the conference with a 14-4 league record in 2014-15.
Her duties went beyond the basketball court at Lamar, where served as an academic advisor for the team's student-athletes along with coordinating team travel and summer camp programs.