Bart Walker Earns Third National Coach of the Year Award

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the third time in his remarkable career, Bart Walker has been named NJCAA National Coach of the Year, following his third national championship with Northwest Florida State.

The Tennessee native continues to build an extraordinary legacy, adding yet another honor to his impressive list of accolades. In addition to his three National Coach of the Year awards, Walker has earned three FCSAA Coach of the Year honors, seven Panhandle Conference Coach of the Year titles, and a place in the FCSAA Hall of Fame.

The 2024-25 season was historic for Walker and the Raiders. Not only did the team secure its third NJCAA National Championship in just five seasons, but they also reached the 30-win milestone—just the third time in program history. It marked the first 30-win season since the Raiders posted back-to-back 31-win campaigns in 1994 and 1995, which still stand as the program record.

"We are thrilled to see Coach Walker receive another National Coach of the Year Award following his third national title in five seasons," said Director of Athletics Ramey Ross. "His on-court accomplishments are extraordinary and fully merit this recognition, but what truly sets him apart is the profound impact he has on his student-athletes beyond the game."

Following the team's national championship victory, three Raiders were recognized as NJCAA All-Americans: Nevaeh Scott (First Team), Mekhia Chase (Second Team), and Deborah Davenport (Third Team). Scott became just the sixth player in program history to earn First Team honors—and the fourth in the last four years under Walker's leadership.

Throughout his career, Walker has now coached eight NJCAA All-Americans: Nevaeh Scott (2025), Mekhia Chase (2025), Deborah Davenport (2025), Destiney McPaul (2024), Celia Riviere (2024), Sakima Walker (2023), Last-Tear Poa (2022), and Chaniya Pinto (2020, 2021).

In his 10 seasons at Northwest Florida State, Walker has compiled 258 wins, bringing his career total to 464. During that time, he has led the Raiders to seven Panhandle Conference Championships, three FCSAA State Championships, and nine NJCAA National Tournament appearances. Under his leadership, the program has reached the Elite Eight six times, the Final Four four times, finished as national runner-up in 2024, and now boasts three national titles.

Coach Walker's resume is as decorated as they come, but it's his consistent excellence, dedication to his players, and ability to elevate a program year after year that truly defines his legacy.