| Class of: | 1975 |
| Induction Class of: | 2015 |
| Sports: | Men's Soccer |
The backbone of the 1974 Westfield State men’s soccer team that finished third in the nation, goalkeeper Mike Walker distinguished himself on the field with his play and leadership, and off the field with a career that included a stint coaching the Owls fledgling women’s soccer program and a professional career at Mass Mutual.
Walker was a goalkeeper on the Owls men’s soccer team that advanced to the NCAA Final Four and placed third in the nation in 1974, earning all-conference honors and posting seven shutouts as the team finished 17-4-2 overall. In that season he posted seven shutouts and yielded one goal or less in 16 games, earning all MASCAC honors.
In 1973 he was named the Athletic Department’s most valuable player, earned the Coach’s award and posted five shutouts and nine 1-goal games.
A two-year team captain lauded for his leadership abilities, his teams posted a combined record of 56-14-7 over four years under legendary head coach John Kurty, winning MASCAC titles in 1971 and 1972, advancing to the ECAC tournament in 1972, the NCAA Tournament in 1973, and ultimately winning the MASCAC title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament and final four, finishing third in the nation in 1974. Many of his teammates are also enshrined in the Westfield State Athletics Hall of Fame.
A West Springfield native who attended Cathedral high school, Walker graduated from Westfield State College in 1975 with a degree in educational administration. He later earned a master’s degree from AIC.
After graduation, Walker served as the first head coach of the Westfield State women’s soccer program from 1979-1982, posting an overall coaching record of 29-17-2. His team earned a top-10 in New England ranking, and two NEWISA tournament bids.
He was active with youth and club soccer and camps and clinics in Monson, Mass., and has been active with several non-profit boards.
Mike is currently an assistant vice president at MassMutual. He resides in Wilbraham, Mass., with his wife Leslie. They have two adult children, Brittany and Michael.