LIBERTY, Mo. - William Jewell Director of Athletics Tom Eisenhauer, '06 has announced that Rayshawn Walker will take over as the head coach of the Cardinal track and field and cross country programs, effective immediately. 

"Coach Walker has demonstrated his commitment to our student-athletes and the College through developing meaningful relationships which supports our roster retention efforts," said Eisenhauer, who is also an alumnus of the program, having worn the uniform from 2002-2006. "His ability to build relationships will also be key in growing the program as he connects with coaches and prospective student-athletes in the area through recruitment activities. He was able to communicate a clear vision for the program that aligns with the College's strategic plan."

Walker has been with the Cardinals since 2019 as an assistant coach, working primarily with distance runners and has played a major role in the recruiting efforts of nearly 40 student-athletes in the last two years and had helped mentor four All-GLVC performers. "I would like to thank Mr. Tom Eisenhauer, and the search committee for entrusting me with this role," said Walker." "I feel poised and prepared to lead this program to new heights and continue to assist in elevating the William Jewell traditions and practices. William Jewell College is a special place, and I look forward to bringing strength and honor to this institution."

Prior to Jewell he served as the cross country and distance coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Arkansas-Little Rock and mentored the 2019 Sun Belt Conference champion in the men's indoor mile. Additionally, he coached the women's champions in the 800 meters, 3,000 steeple, and 400 meters while with the Trojans. Walker also spent time as an assistant at Abilene Christian University, coaching six individual conference champions, three consecutive Southland Conference Athletes of the Year and helped the Wildcats to their first Division I conference title with a 2015 cross country championship. In track and field at Abilene Christian, he oversaw the women's champion in the 10,000, 5000, 3000 meters and 400 hurdles in the spring of 2016.

He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Notre Dame College in 2013 where he was a NAIA national qualifier in the 4x800 relay and the 800 meters. He followed with a master's in Kinesiology, sports recreation and management from Hardin-Simmons University in 2016. 

William Jewell College would like to thank members of the search committee for their time and efforts in the selection of the new head track and field and cross country coach. 

• Thomas Balkcom, Assistant Athletics Director of Events, Facilities, & Equipment
• Carolyn Beck, Head Volleyball Coach
• Chris McCabe, Head Men's Basketball Coach
• Will Palmer, Director of Student Recruitment
• Kevin Shaffstall, Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Leadership and Director of the Pryor Leadership Studies Program
• Brad Begemann, '06
• Jess (Connery) Montague, '13
• Gretchen (Mayes) Shrewsbury, '17
• Mark Stevenson, '09