Tom Walter of Wake Forest
Head Baseball Coach of Wake Forest University in Wake Forest, NC
Tom Walter is a Division I baseball coach and social impact leader with over 900 career wins across George Washington, New Orleans, and Wake Forest. He has guided each of his players through both graduation and community service while also developing professional-level talent. His leadership at Wake Forest has produced record-breaking success, including a No. 1 national ranking and multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
Tom was born in New York and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His foundation was shaped during his time in Washington, DC while attending Georgetown University. As a student-athlete, he captained the baseball team in his junior and senior years, earned Big East All-Academic Team honors in 1990 and 1991, and was named team MVP in his final season. He also received freshman of the year recognition when he began his collegiate career.
After earning a finance degree, Tom enrolled in a master’s program at George Washington University. While completing his MBA, he worked as a calculus tutor for athletes, managed athletic equipment, and served as an assistant coach. That season, the team won the Atlantic 10 championship and advanced to the 1992 NCAA tournament.
In 1996, Thomas Walter of Wake Forest took over as head coach at George Washington University. Over eight seasons, he compiled a 273–181 record, becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach. In 2002, he led the team to the NCAA tournament and was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year. Twenty-six players from his program signed professional contracts, including one who went on to reach the Major Leagues. In 2019, he was inducted into the GW Athletics Hall of Fame. He is also honored in the AAABA and Cambria County Halls of Fame.
At Wake Forest, he continued to build his success and, in 2020, founded Get In the Game, a nonprofit organization promoting service and leadership among youth. The program has reached around 1,500 students and received national recognition. Thomas Walter remains committed to coaching, service, and education as he approaches the milestone of 1,000 career wins.