Jackson, TN – The University School of Jackson is pleased to announce the appointment of DeAndre Walker as the new boys’ head basketball coach for the Bruins.
According to a press release from Pam Stanfield – USJ’s director of marketing and communications – Coach Walker comes to USJ directly from the college ranks, having achieved much success as an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawk Men’s program.
For the past seven years, he has served in roles such as Offensive assistant coach and Director of Basketball Operations and Player Development for the Skyhawks.
I am excited to join the USJ community and get to work,” says Coach Walker. “I have always thought of myself as a ‘players coach,’ and I have a passion for growing players through a healthy mix of old school and new school fundamental basketball techniques.”
Coming highly recommended as a mentor of young people, Coach Walker brings with him his background in on-the-court leadership and in developing young men in the game of basketball and improving the academic progress of his student-athletes.
His well-rounded coaching experience, belief in players’ overall development, and personal integrity are directly aligned with the mission of USJ and made him stand out as our leadership team’s clear choice to lead our program.
“DeAndre is an extremely dynamic coach and mentor who impressed me with his drive, focus, and attention to detail,” shared Athletic Director Michael Stroup. “We are impressed at all that he has accomplished in building successful teams, as well as individuals, and we look forward to him bringing that same integrity, class, leadership, and passion to USJ.”
Coach Walker will be joining USJ in August in a full-time role as a Middle School faculty member.
Walker earned his Bachelor’s degree in business management from Fairmont State in 2004. He earned his Master’s degree in project management from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2016.
In addition to the hiring of Coach Walker as Head Coach of the Bruins, we are pleased to announce that Coach Ryan Yeates will be staying on to join Walker’s staff as the Upper School Boys’ Assistant Coach and continue as the Boys’ Head Middle School Coach.
Yeates did yeoman’s work this past season as Middle School Coach and as Interim Head Coach of the Upper School Bruins. During a challenging season of COVID restrictions, Yeates did an admirable job of leading the program, developing our players, and building all-important relationships with our Bruins.
The groundwork laid over the past season promises to yield results as we begin a new era of Bruins basketball.
Assistant Coach Ryan Yeates said, “I have heard nothing but great things about Coach Walker, and I am super excited to work with him. I am looking forward to learning from him while I continue to assist and improve the basketball program at USJ.”
DeAndre and his family will be moving to Jackson soon. The USJ community is happy to welcome Coach Walker to our Bruin family.
(PHOTO: DeAndre Walker)
