University of Houston Athletics
Women's Soccer Welcomes Assistant Coach Josh Walters
5/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
May 11, 2005
The University of Houston announces its hiring of Joshua S. Walters as assistant soccer coach beginning with the 2005-06 season.
Walters brings a world of experience, literally, in his first year as an assistant soccer coach at the University of Houston. As a United States Army 1st Lieutenant, Walters just completed a year in Afghanistan fighting the Global War On Terrorism, earning a Bronze Star. Previous to the one-year deployment he was the head coach of Lawton Chiles High School and the Tallahassee United Futbol Club U16 teams. Walters comes to the Cougars as a proven leader and competitor, which is sure to help continue the success of the developing young program. "With Josh's background I am sure he will generate excitement and enthusiasm for our program which will help us turn the corner," said University of Houston head coach Bill Solberg. " We couldn't be more pleased with our coaching staff choices and the competitiveness and leadership Josh brings."
While in Afghanistan Walters drew national acclaim by developing a series of soccer relationship-building projects for the Army and the people of Afghanistan. Additionally, he wrote an article about this experience that was published in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Coaches Journal in the September/October 2004 edition.
"When I wrote `A Soldier's Story' I just wanted to share with the soccer community what an incredible experience I had using soccer to help the people of Afghanistan dream again," commented Walters. "I was not prepared for the response I got back from the U.S. soccer communities- everyone wanted to help and they did."
With the backing of several soccer clubs and universities, he put together a soccer league that equipped a league that included 370 teams. With great support from the NSCAA & Adidas, Walters continued his efforts by multiplying the local coaches abilities offering a NSCAA State level diploma: the first international course to be offered to Afghan population.
"We feel like the world has left us behind and there is so much catching up to do. So we were pleased and very thankful to have someone like Lieutenant Walters care about us so much and teach us. We are ready to learn and ready to be a proud nation once again," said Sayeed Abedi, Afghan Olympic Committee Director.
For his efforts the NSCAA awarded Lt. Joshua Walters the very prestigious, 2004 Honorary All-American Award at the Coaches convention in Baltimore, Md. Additionally, articles about Walters were published by the Baltimore Sun, Tallahassee Democrat, Winston-Salem Journal, the NSCAA website, Southern Soccer Scene, the FYSA website, Freedom Watch, the Pentagon news link, and he has been interviewed by the Fox Soccer Channel.
Outside of his military duties Walters has been a dedicated member and leader of youth soccer in Florida. His high school team finished state runner-up, made three regional finals appearance in five years of existence, garnered three NSCAA All Academic team awards, a player with the second highest GPA in the nation, two Player of the Year, seven All State team players, two Queen of King's Cups and four straight district titles. Walters was also on the Florida High School Athletic Associations (FHSAA) Soccer advisory board and the USYSA Soccer Advisory board. On the club side he architected a combined multi-club deal to create a showcase team named Delta Force, the first of its kind in North Florida under U.S. Club Soccer.
As a coach, Walters values soccer education. He has earned NSCAA National, Advanced Regional and National Goal Keeping diplomas. Along with these he additionally has received the USSF "C" and "D" licenses with the FHSAA Coaching certificate. This combined with his experience as a staff coach for the famed University of North Carolina soccer camps makes for a solid foundation.
As a player, Walters was the captain of Marion Military Institute (Marion, Ala.) Alabama Junior College state championship team (1996-98). In 1997 he earned All-Conference and MVP honors in his sophomore year. MMI is where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. From here he attended Florida State University and finished his degree in sports management at Columbia Southern University in August of 2004.
Walters is a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. Walters enjoys "anything competitive," live music, and Cajun food!
