FLORENCE, Ala. (August 14, 2025) – University of North Alabama Director of Athletics
Dr. Josh Looney announced that UNA and head coach
Chris Walker has executed the option in his contract to extend his agreement through the 2026 season. An option for 2027 has also been added.
The announcement comes ahead of tonight's game against ETSU, as Walker will begin his 13th season at the helm.
"We are proud of the accomplishments of our women's soccer program under
Chris Walker's leadership," said Looney. "In our short NCAA Division I history, Chris has led the program to two Atlantic Sun final appearances while delivering outstanding success in academics and community engagement. He is a prominent and well-respected figure in the Shoals and in the soccer community."
Walker is the first coach in UNA's recent Division I history to lead a program to two conference tournament finals, doing so in 2018 and 2023. He owns a 4-2-1 postseason record since UNA joined the ASUN in 2018. He is the longest-tenured coach in the program's 29-year history.
The 2023 season was a special one for Walker and company, who tied the UNA Division I era record for wins and broke the DI era records for win percentage (63.6) and overall points with 11 wins and six ties.
The Lions were dealt a tough hand in 2024 with multiple injuries, including all three captains, but are positioned for success in 2025 with the return of former first team all-conference forward
Alice Bussey, fellow captains
Molly Parham and
Adelyn Speight and added depth in the form of 11 freshmen and seven transfers.
"UNA is a special place, and the community has been tremendously supportive of our program," said Walker. "I'm grateful to Athletic Director
Dr. Josh Looney and President Ken Kitts for their ongoing commitment to women's soccer. We've successfully navigated the move from Division II to Division I, and now our focus is on achieving even greater success at this level. I'm excited to keep building with this talented group of student-athletes."
Walker owns a 97-96-24 overall record at UNA. He is tied with Graham Winkworth for the most home wins in program history and is 14 wins away from tying Winkworth's all-time school record.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
