CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Ohio Christian University is excited to announce the hiring of
Ryan Walker as the new men's soccer head coach.
Walker comes to Ohio Christian after coaching at Kentucky Christian University followed by Head Coach at Circleville High School. At KCU, Walker served as an assistant coach and saw success as he helped guide the team to a runner-up finish in the NCCAA National Tournament. In 2022, Walker joined the soccer staff at Ohio Christian and helped increase team GPA's and team recognitions off the field. Prior to coaching, he was a standout student-athlete at Kentucky Christian earning accolades on and off the pitch including NCCAA All American and NSCAA Team All American 3 years in a row, Scholar Athlete and National All Tournament Team. Walker was also recognized as a 3x Defensive Player of the Week and garnered All-Region 1st and 2nd Teams along with helping his team win the Region Champion in 2015 and 2017.
"I'm so thankful not only for this opportunity but the support and mentorship from Coach Arroyo Jr. that has prepared me to step into this role," Walker said. "I'm really excited for this fall to see our team's progress. Our guys worked hard all spring in the classroom, weight room, and on the field. I think it's going to be a great season to see our program take the next step."
Walker graduated in 2018 from Kentucky Christian with a Business Management degree and Minor in Ministry. He competed for the Knights from 2014-2017. While at KCU, his team finished as the Mideast Region Champions and a third-place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament. In 2017, Walker earned the Kyle Rote, Jr. Award, which is presented to the outstanding Division I & II NCCAA Christian men's soccer players of the nation, who enhance the Christian purpose of athletics, show excellence in Christian athletic competition, and perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith in the NCCAA institutions across the nation, during the National Men's Soccer I & II Championships. In 2019, Walker was honored as the 20
th athlete and 1
st men's soccer player to have his jersey retired at Kentucky Christian University.
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Coach
Ryan Walker for a couple years and what most impresses me is his commitment to point athletes to Jesus," said
George Arroyo Jr. "His investment into others is evident. Having coached with him, he is knowledgeable about the game, understands collegiate coaching and how athletics fits into a larger role at the university. I look forward to seeing Coach Walker in this role and I'm confident he will lead the team to new successes."
Walker currently lives in Grove City, OH with his wife Bailey Walker, member of the coaching staff for OCU women's volleyball, newborn Ruth, and two cats Loki and Sylvie. He serves on the production team and as a small group leader at Covenant Church.
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