Nike Volleyball Clinic at Smith College

Greg Walker is the head volleyball coach at Smith College, a top-ranked, high-academic NCAA Division III institution. When Walker took over the program, Smith Volleyball had gone 38-125 over the previous decade. Under his leadership, the team has achieved only winning seasons and made postseason appearances every year. In 2024, Smith captured the NEWMAC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament—the program's first NCAA appearance in over two decades and first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. The season culminated with Smith finishing #23 in the NCAA NPI rankings, solidifying its place as one of the nation's top programs.

Walker is also a current USA National Team Coach with over 650 collegiate and international matches across multiple disciplines, including indoor, sitting, and beach volleyball. With a proven track record of success at every NCAA level (Power-5, DI, DII, DIII) and on the international stage, Walker is a dynamic leader known for his ability to turn programs into championship contenders while fostering athlete-centered, inclusive cultures.

Career Highlights & Honors

• 2022 World Paravolley Outstanding Achievement Award
• 2021 United States Sports Academy Alumnus of the Year
• AVCA 30 Under 30 Recipient
• 5x Coach/Staff of the Year
• 12x Post-season Appearances
• 13 AVCA All-American Selections
• 8x AVCA All-Region Awards
• 15 Major Conference Awards
• 38 All-Conference Selections
• 6x AVCA Team Academic Awards
• 47 Academic All-Conference Selections

at Smith College

• 2024 NCAA Tournament Appearance (First in almost two decades)
• 2024 First NCAA Tournament win
• 2024 NEWMAC Champions (First since 2005)
• 2024 30+ Win season
• 4x Consecutive Post-season Appearances
• 4x Consecutive Winning Seasons
• 3x AVCA All-American Selections
• 2x 2024 NEWMAC Tournament Co-MVPs
• 6 AVCA All-Region Selections
• 4 NEWMAC All-Conference Selections
• 4x AVCA Team Academic Team Awards
• 25 NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Selections

“His experience and proven ability to turn around programs speaks for itself. He brings a strong vision for our student-athletes, and I am excited about the future of Smith Volleyball under Greg’s leadership.”
– Kristin Hughes, Smith College Athletic Director

Since taking over the Smith College volleyball program in 2020, Greg Walker has led the Pioneers to some of the most remarkable achievements in the program's history. In just four seasons, he guided Smith to its first NEWMAC Championship since 2005 and secured the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly two decades. The team finished 31-7 in 2024, including three players—Taylor Gwynne, Abby Sweeney, and Abby Hunt—earning AVCA All-American honors, the first time in program history that three players earned such recognition in the same season. Smith Volleyball finished the season at #23 in the NPI National Ranking.

Walker’s impact on the program has been immediate. He turned the Pioneers from an unranked team to a top 25 in just four years. Under his guidance, Smith upset - undefeated AVCA #4 MIT to win the NEWMAC Championship, showcasing the dramatic turnaround and Walker's ability to build winning cultures. His player-first mentality, strategic focus on skill development, and system-based coaching have placed Smith at the forefront of collegiate volleyball. Walker’s success continues to inspire the program’s growth, and with athletes thriving under his tutelage, Smith College is now one of the premier volleyball programs in the region.

USA Volleyball and Coaching the National Team

“Greg has a passion for the sport and a diverse set of experiences at the collegiate and international level and is incredibly skilled with the organizational part of the game.”

– John Speraw, CEO of USA Volleyball, Former USA Men’s National Team Coach & UCLA Men’s Volleyball Head Coach

Walker has made a significant impact on the development and success of USA Volleyball’s Men’s Sitting National Team (MSNT). He was appointed head coach of the MSNT in 2016 after serving as an assistant coach from 2013 to 2016. Under his leadership, the team has achieved its best-ever World Championship finish (6th place) at the 2022 World Paravolley World Championships in Bosnia, marking the highest finish in MSNT history. Walker’s coaching has also led to remarkable performances at the 2019 Parapan American Games, where the team secured a second-place finish in the gold medal match, as well as at the 2018 World Paravolley World Championships, where the team finished in the top 8—the first time the USA had finished in the top 10 at that event.

Additionally, Walker's tenure has included several major accomplishments such as securing a silver medal at the 2017 Paravolley Pan American Zonal Championships and helping the team qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He has also been integral to the Paralympic Games preparation, leading the team through multiple international competitions like the 2016 Intercontinental Cup in China, the 2014 World Paravolley World Championships in Poland, and the 2013 Exhibition at the Défi Sportif in Canada.

“Greg is extremely talented, hardworking, and diligent and is an excellent leader. As the head coach for USA Volleyball’s Men’s Sitting National Team, Greg has led the team to new heights, including a best-ever finish at World Championships, and I am confident that he will do the same at Smith.”

– Jamie Davis, Former CEO | USA Volleyball

Beyond the Men’s Sitting National Team, Walker has contributed to USA Volleyball's growth through his involvement with the Men’s Indoor National Team. As a consultant coach/assistant coach, Walker helped the team during the 2019 Volleyball Nations League in Bulgaria and the 2018 Pan American Cup in Mexico, where the team finished 7th. He also contributed to the 2018 Volleyball Nations League events in Ottawa, Canada, and Chicago, Illinois, and played a key role in the 2017 NORCECA Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the team won the gold medal and earned a bid to the 2018 World Championships. He has provided scout consulting for FIVB Beach competitions as well for pro beach athletes.

Walker has also worked closely with the USA National Team Development Program (NTDP), which serves as the youth national team pipeline, helping to nurture the next generation of top-level athletes in both indoor and sitting volleyball.

Prior to arriving in Northampton, Greg Walker was an assistant coach in 2019 to revitalize the University of Southern California (USC) men’s volleyball program. That year, he helped guide the Trojans to an 18-11 record, doubling their win total from the previous year and securing their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012. Walker also led USC to a 3rd-place finish in the MPSF, their highest placement since 2012, and the Trojans reached the MPSF Championship Final for the first time in years.

The Trojans played the nation’s toughest schedule, earning 7 wins over AVCA Top 10 teams, and finished with an AVCA #5 ranking—the highest program ranking since 2012. The Trojans were undefeated at home (12-0) for the first time since 2000. Walker also helped recruit a MaxPreps Top 7 recruiting class, contributing to the program's resurgence.

Walker took over the Sacred Heart University men’s volleyball program, guiding it to one of its most successful seasons. Under his leadership, Sacred Heart achieved a historic 3-1 road win over No. 12 Penn State, marking the program’s first-ever victory over the Nittany Lions and a 3-0 sweep at home. First time since 1984, that a conference opponent won the regular season series against the Nittany Lions. The team finished the season with a 15-11 overall record and 8-6 in conference play, achieving an 8-win improvement from the previous year. Sacred Heart finished 3rd in the EIVA, defying expectations after being preseason picked 7th.

Walker’s program reached new heights, with Joshua Ayzenberg earning the program's first-ever AVCA All-American honor and becoming the first Sacred Heart player to train with the USA Men’s National Team. The team also saw the development of Rob Chatterton and Taylor Bloomquist, who finished the season as two of the EIVA’s top hitting efficiency leaders. Under Walker’s guidance, the team earned 6 EIVA Player of the Week honors, and the program achieved its first-ever AVCA All-Academic Team recognition in 2016, further highlighting Walker's emphasis on excellence both on the court and in the classroom.

In 2016, under Walker’s leadership, the Sacred Heart University women’s volleyball team won the NEC Regular Season Title, with a 22-8 overall record and 13-1 in conference play, achieving the best season and conference record finishes in the program’s history. The 2016 season ranks among the program’s top 4 wins in a season and is the second-best wins in conference. During that season, the team earned multiple major individual accolades, including Coach of the Year, Conference Player of the Year, Conference Libero of the Year, and All-Conference selections.

At Alderson Broaddus University, Walker led the men’s volleyball program to its first-ever conference championship and posted a 21-6 record. Under his leadership, the program transitioned to NCAA Division I/II.

As an assistant coach at Mississippi State, Walker mentored the women’s volleyball program’s pin attackers and defense, helping the program produce its first-ever AVCA All-Americans, a significant achievement in the history of the program.

During his time at Pfeiffer University, Walker led the men’s volleyball program to its 2nd consecutive Conference Carolinas Championship. He developed players who ranked among the top in NCAA statistical categories, including NCAA Statistical Champions in kills per set and points per set. His leadership helped Pfeiffer become a competitive powerhouse in NCAA men’s volleyball.

Walker volunteered at Juniata College, contributing to the team’s EIVA Divisional Championship and CVC Divisional Championship. Under his guidance, the team earned 3 AVCA All-American honors, 6 All-Conference selections, and 4 Academic All-Conference honors. He also volunteered at Mercer University and the University of Oregon, further developing his coaching skills and supporting athlete growth.

Walker is an accomplished volleyball coach and educator with a diverse and dynamic background. He attended Penn State University and went on to earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching from the United States Sports Academy and a master’s degree in Coaching Education and Athlete Development from Xavier University.

Walker has made significant contributions to the sport through his involvement in prominent volleyball organizations. He has served on various committees, including the AVCA Mentor Program, National Ranking Polls, and NCAA Committees, and is a current member of the Certification Council of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

Originally from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Walker now resides in Northampton, Massachusetts, with his wife, Heather, and their daughters, Avery and Devin. Heather works as a Senior Research Project Manager for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Walker is a skilled musician who enjoys playing the piano, guitar, and trumpet. His love for volleyball and travel has taken him to over 25 countries and his last USA state is Alaska to check off, and he holds International Certification as a 5th-degree black belt in Karate. Walker’s experiences continue to enrich his coaching philosophy and leadership style.

Connor Martin, associate head coach and assistant sports information director at Smith College, has been instrumental in the resurgence of the Pioneers volleyball program. With a reputation for excellence in player development, strategic innovation, and program leadership, Martin has helped elevate Smith Volleyball to national prominence. In 2024, Martin played a pivotal role in leading the Pioneers to a historic season, culminating in the program’s first NEWMAC Championship since 2005.

The team posted an impressive 31-7 record, defeated AVCA No. 4 MIT in the championship match, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly two decades. The Pioneers reached the second round and achieved a program-first milestone of having three players—Taylor Gwynne, Abby Sweeney, and Abby Hunt—recognized as AVCA All-American Honorable Mentions. Martin’s contributions extend far beyond wins and accolades.

Known for his ability to maximize player potential, he is a tireless advocate for fostering a championship culture that emphasizes accountability, trust, and teamwork. His leadership on the court and in practice has been a cornerstone of Smith’s competitive resurgence. A seasoned coach, Martin rejoined Smith College in 2024 as the associate head coach after spending the 2023 season as the first assistant coach at the College of the Holy Cross, an NCAA Division I program in the Patriot League. At Holy Cross, Martin oversaw recruiting, player development, and tactical preparation, refining his expertise at the Division I level while making a lasting impact on the program.

Prior to his stint at Holy Cross, Martin spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Smith, during which the Pioneers laid the foundation for their current success. His innovative coaching methods and commitment to excellence helped the team achieve postseason appearances and continued growth. A former collegiate athlete himself, Martin brings firsthand experience to his coaching philosophy, focusing on technical precision, mental toughness, and team cohesion. His competitive mindset, combined with a keen ability to adapt strategies to his athletes’ strengths, has been a defining factor in his success.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Martin serves as Smith College’s assistant sports information director, where he highlights the achievements of Smith’s student-athletes and programs, helping to raise the profile of Pioneer Athletics across the NCAA landscape. Martin’s return to Smith has marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the volleyball program as it continues its rise as a national contender. His dedication to the growth of his athletes and program culture ensures that Smith Volleyball is poised for sustained success for years to come.

THE MARTIN FILE

Hometown: Douglas, MA

EDUCATION

• Smith College - Master of Science, Exercise & Sports Studies (2023)
• Mary Washington, 2021

COACHING CAREER

• 2023-24 College of the Holy Cross (Assistant Coach)
• 2021-23 Smith College (Graduate Assistant Coach)
• Mary Washington (Student Assistant Coach/Team Manager)

AWARDS

• AVCA Thirty Under 30 recipient

BY THE NUMBERS

• 2024 NCAA Tournament Appearance (First in almost two decades)
• 2024 First NCAA Tournament win
• 2024 NEWMAC Champions (First since 2005)
• 2024 30+ Win season
• 3x AVCA All-American Selections
• 2x 2024 NEWMAC Tournament Co-MVPs
• 6 AVCA All-Region Selections
• 4 NEWMAC All-Conference Selections
• 4x AVCA Team Academic Team Awards
• 25 NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Selections

Smith College women's volleyball is pleased to announce the addition of Natalie Klotz to the coaching staff as an assistant coach, head coach Greg Walker revealed today.

"Natalie is a standout addition to our team," said Coach Walker. "Her impressive track record as a student-athlete and coach brings both skill and insight to our program. With Natalie joining us, we are able to continue providing elite level support for our student-athletes here at Smith. Her experience at Bates, Willamette University and her leadership at Capital City Elite Volleyball Club align perfectly with our goals of advancing our team's performance and maintaining high academic standards for our student-athletes. We are beyond excited to have her join our Smith Family!”

Klotz, a native of Bonner Springs, Kansas, comes to Smith College after a successful stint at Bates College, where her leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in developing the team's competitive edge. Her tenure as a player at Willamette University was marked by notable accolades, including Honorable Mention and Second Team All-Northwest Conference recognitions, demonstrating her prowess on the court with a career-high 28 kills in a single match.

“I am so thrilled to join the Smith community and hit the ground running with this team. This is an incredible opportunity to work with an amazing group of coaches and continue my education in the supportive environment that the Smith athletics staff has created. I am looking forward to continuing to build on the success of the volleyball program over the next few years.”

Before joining the collegiate coaching ranks, Klotz enriched her leadership and tactical skills by coaching at Capital City Elite Volleyball Club, where she played a critical role in shaping young athletes' skills and competitive spirits.

In her collegiate playing career, Klotz was a dynamic force on the volleyball court, ending her tenure at Willamette with 784 kills and a solid .226 hitting percentage. Her leadership was further exemplified by her role as a team captain, underscoring her ability to inspire and guide her teammates under pressure.

The Smith College community is excited to welcome Natalie Klotz to the Pioneers family, anticipating a new chapter of success and development in its volleyball program.

During her time at Iowa Western, Demman helped lead the team to its first winning season in two years and a Regional semi-final appearance. Additionally, three players were named to the ICCAC First Team All-Region, 13 players were named to the NJCAA Academic First Team All-Region, and 2 players were named to the NJCAA Academic Second Team All-Region.

Prior to Iowa Western, Demman spent four months as the Summer Volleyball Assistant Director of Operations at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Additionally, Demman completed her internship at the University of Northern Colorado with their women’s volleyball program.

As a student-athlete, Demman played four seasons of volleyball at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. During her time at Webster University, she appeared in 265 sets and served as the team captain for two seasons. Additionally, Demman earned All-Academic awards all four seasons and earned Third Team All-Conference her senior year.

Demman graduated from Webster University in December 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management with an emphasis in Sports and Entertainment.

She brings over a decade of experience in the Indiana volleyball community, having coached at various levels across the state. Known for her infectious energy, competitive mindset, and strong rapport with student-athletes, Westlund adds depth and enthusiasm to the Pioneers' coaching staff.

A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Sports Marketing and Management, Westlund is deeply committed to the growth and visibility of women’s sports. She is passionate about cultivating a volleyball environment that is fierce, fun, and developmentally focused.

Westlund looks forward to helping continue the program’s tradition of excellence both on and off the court.