Walker named DI Women's Basketball Coach of the Year

Charlotte, NC: Northwest Florida State head coach Bart Walker has been named the 2024-25 NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Coach of the Year for the third time.

Walker led the Raiders to their third national championship in school history and their fourth national championship game in the last five years. 

"We are thrilled to see Coach Walker receive another National Coach of the Year Award following his third national title in five seasons. His on-court accomplishments are extraordinary and fully merit this recognition, but what truly sets him apart is the profound impact he has on his student-athletes beyond the game," Northwest Florida State Athletic Director Ramsey Ross said.

The Raiders fell just short of the championship last season, and with six sophomores returning, were able to stand on top of the NJCAA Women's Basketball world once again. 

Walker led Northwest Florida State to a 32-3 record, only the second time he has eclipsed 30+ wins in a season. He has spent ten seasons at Northwest Florida State and accumulated a career record of 464-109 (.809). 

"Coach Walker embraces the responsibility of preparing his players for life after basketball and takes immense pride in their academic and personal growth," Ross said.

Northwest Florida State was selected as an at-large bid and the No. 3 overall seed. They would defeat Wallace State (AL), Three Rivers (MO), and Eastern Arizona to set up a national championship game against the No. 8 seed, Shelton State (AL). The Raiders led for the entire game, including jumping out to a 13-point lead in the third quarter. They held off the Bucs comeback attempt and closed out a nine-point win for the national championship.

Walker was named the Coach of the Tournament for the third time in his career. Sophomore Nevaeh Scott was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after scoring 25 points in the championship game. Two other Raiders were named to the All-Tournament Team.