Walker moves from interim to permanent athletic director at Ventura College

VENTURA - Ventura College is pleased to announce that Jimmy Walker will continue as the Pirates' Director of Intercollegiate Athletics permanently beginning in July. He has been serving as the Interim AD for the past year, helping the department navigate through the current coronavirus challenge, and the College is confident in his leadership for Pirate Athletics into the future.

"Over the last year, Jimmy Walker has proven he has the knowledge, ability, and skill to lead Ventura College sports as the Athletic Director," said Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans. "I appreciate his tireless work collaborating with our athletes, coaches, VC Foundation, and our community and I look forward to his continued contributions to our tremendously successful athletic programs." 

Walker has been at Ventura College for five years. He was an Associate Athletic Director for four years, working with facility management, facility rentals, and social media. Additionally, he coached with the Pirate baseball program during that time.

"We are excited to have Jimmy continue as our Athletic Director, guiding our competitive Athletics department for many years to come," said Division Dean Tim Harrison. "He will be focused on student-athlete success initiatives as well as reconnecting with our community during these unique times."

Walker served as the head baseball coach for two seasons, leading the Pirates to a 46-37 overall, including a 23-17 mark in Western State Conference play. He led VC to its first WSC North Division title in baseball in 13 years in 2019, hosting the program's first-ever playoff series at Pirate Park. As head coach, he helped 23 student-athletes transfer to four-year schools, with most also continuing their baseball careers.

In 2016 and 2017, Walker coached the Pirates' pitchers and catchers, highlighted by two pitchers being selected in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft, and 12 pitchers transferring to four-year schools over two seasons, 10 with athletic scholarships.

"I would like to thank President Dr. Kim Hoffmans for this incredible opportunity to lead the Pirate Athletic Department," said Walker.  "I would also like to thank Dr. Tim Harrison and the search committee through this process.  I am excited to continue my work as Athletic Director here at Ventura College."

Before coming to VC, Coach Walker spent five years at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard. He served as the Head Varsity Baseball coach from 2010-2015 and Athletic Director form 2011-2015. In his five seasons as Head Baseball Coach, Walker led the Saints to their first league title in 22 years (2014) and two CIF Southern Section playoff appearances in 2012 and 2014. The 2012 playoff appearance was the first for the Saints in 20 years. He also coached two All-CIF Southern Section baseball players. Walker was voted Frontier League Coach of the Year in 2012.

Walker played college baseball at Monterey Peninsula College (1998-1999) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (2000-2001). He also played three years of professional baseball for the San Angelo Colts (Texas-Louisiana League, 2001), Duluth-Superior Dukes and the Kansas City T-Bones (Northern League, 2002-2003).

Walker's coaching career began in 2003 at Monterey Peninsula College. He served as the teams pitching coach and helped them to a then school record for wins in a season. He also spent two seasons as pitching coach at Monterey High School, leading the Toreadores to a third-place finish in the Central Coast Section in 2004 and the section title in 2005.

Walker was the Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at Cal State Monterey Bay, a NCAA Division II school, from 2005 to 2010, Walker recruited two All-West Region players, four All-Conference players, helped three players sign professional contracts, and coached 29 All Conference All Academic players. His on-field duties included coaching the pitchers and catchers, running the teams' offense, and being the Director of Camps and Clinics.

Walker resides in Ventura with his wife Karly (Castro), a Ventura College women's basketball aluma. They have two daughters, Kaley, and Jacey.

(Ventura College Athletics)