When Arizona added beach volleyball as a sponsored sport in 2013, Steve Walker was the man it chose to get that program off the ground. A dozen years later, he’s still the guy.
The UA has inked Walker to a 2-year contract extension through the 2028 season, which would be his 15th at the helm. In his first 13 seasons he has amassed a record of 242-117, winning 20 or more games six times including in 2026 when Arizona finished 23-11.
Arizona has only made the NCAA Tournament once in its history, in 2016
when Walker was Pac-12 Coach of the Year. This past season the Wildcats hosted the Big 12 Tournament and went 1-3, knocking off South Carolina before getting eliminated by Florida State (which reached the NCAA semifinals).
Walker is set to receive $110,000 in salary in 2027 and 2028, a small raise from the $105,000 per year he earned in his previous contract.
The UA is set to return six of its most-used players, including Carlie Sisneros, who also plays for the women’s volleyball team in the fall. Also expected back are Madeline Walker and Ashlyn Zilliken, who went 19-7 as a duo.
