Tom Walter of Wake Forest

Head Baseball Coach of Wake Forest University

Tom Walter is a Division I baseball coach and social impact figure with more than 900 career wins spanning tenures at George Washington, New Orleans, and Wake Forest. A focus on academic success, community service, and player development has marked his coaching career. Every student-athlete who played under him has completed their degree while contributing to meaningful outreach efforts. His teams at Wake Forest achieved national success, including a No. 1 ranking and multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament.

Early Years

Thomas was born in New York and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His foundation in leadership and service began during his time at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. As a college athlete, he served as captain of the baseball team in both his junior and senior years. He was selected to the Big East All-Academic Team in 1990 and 1991, earned team MVP honors as a senior, and had previously been named freshman of the year during his first season.

After graduating with a degree in finance, Tom continued his education by enrolling in a master’s program at George Washington University. While earning his MBA, he tutored other athletes in calculus, managed equipment across multiple sports, and assisted the baseball program as a coach. That season, the team secured the Atlantic 10 championship and qualified for the 1992 NCAA tournament.

Establishing a Force at George Washington University

In 1996, Tom Walter of Wake Forest accepted the head coaching position at George Washington University. Over the next eight seasons, he built the team into a consistently competitive program, finishing with a 273–181 overall record. His leadership made him the winningest coach in the school’s baseball history. From 1999 to 2003, his teams averaged 39 victories each season, elevating the program’s reputation.

The 2002 season brought significant recognition, as the team earned its fourth NCAA tournament berth, and he was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year. During his tenure, 26 players moved on to professional baseball, including one who reached the Major Leagues.

In 2019, the university honored him with induction into the GW Athletics Hall of Fame. He also holds membership in the AAABA Hall of Fame and the Cambria County Hall of Fame.

Resilience Through Adversity at the University of New Orleans

In 2004, Tom took on a new challenge as head coach at the University of New Orleans. The following year, Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, displacing the team and destroying his home.

Relocating first to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and then to Mobile, Alabama, he maintained the program's integrity despite significant obstacles. That spring, the team won 30 games for the first time since 1996. In 2007, they captured the Sun Belt Championship, and in 2008, they returned to the NCAA tournament, becoming the only Louisiana program to reach that level in the post-Katrina period.

Transforming Wake Forest Baseball

Tom joined Wake Forest University in 2009, where he steadily transformed the baseball program. Under his leadership, the team earned multiple NCAA tournament bids and won a regional title in 2017.

In 2011, a personal act drew national attention. Tom donated a kidney to a freshman outfielder on the team, a story that was later featured on ESPN’s E60 and shared during his appearance on NBC’s "The Wall" with his daughter.

Over the past four seasons, Wake Forest Baseball has emerged as one of the nation’s most consistent programs. It became one of only seven teams to earn either a 1- or 2-seed in the NCAA tournament for four consecutive years. No other Atlantic Coast Conference program matched that achievement. In 2023, the team reached the top national ranking and advanced to the Final Four in Omaha. That same year, he was named ACC Coach of the Year.

The Launch of Get In the Game

In 2020, Thomas Walter of Wake Forest founded Get In the Game, a nonprofit organization designed to inspire high school students through conversations on race, service, and leadership. The program works with youth aged 13 to 18 and includes structured discussions, self-reflection, and service activities.

To date, the initiative has reached approximately 1,500 students. In 2021, it was recognized with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award at the ESPN/Disney Sports Humanitarian Awards, receiving a $100,000 grant from Disney to support continued growth.

Giving Without Expectation

Service has remained a consistent theme throughout his career. He donates more than $25,000 annually to nonprofit efforts and is preparing an additional $25,000 contribution to support the LGBTQ office on campus.

Tom's players also commit to regular community service. The team has worked with organizations including Brenner’s Children’s Hospital, Goodwill of North Carolina, Habitat for Humanity, Parenting Path, JDRF, and the Special Olympics. They also participate in awareness efforts, such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, and support youth development through RBI Baseball Academies.

Approaching a Milestone

Thomas Walter is nearing the 1,000-win milestone in his coaching career. He is one of only two active head coaches to guide three different programs to the NCAA tournament. Thomas Walter’s impact extends beyond wins, shaping student-athletes through education, service, and a dedication to doing meaningful work on and off the field.