Rocky Mount, N.C. - North Carolina Wesleyan has officially approved the reinstatement of its women's lacrosse program, which will return to varsity competition during the 2017-2018 academic year. With the addition of its 13th sport, the Department of Athletics is also pleased to announce the hiring of Bridget Walker as the Battling Bishops' head lacrosse coach.

Said Walker, "I would like to thank President Clark, Director of Athletics John Thompson, and the athletics staff for this opportunity and for the warm welcome I have received. This feels like the perfect opportunity for me to transition to collegiate coaching, and I look forward to establishing a growing culture of tradition and competitiveness."

Walker has spent several years managing and coaching lacrosse teams in the Triangle area, beginning with a four-year stint as the program director for Youth Lacrosse Systems in Holly Springs. Additionally, she logged three years as head coach at Holly Springs High School, while most recently, she estabalished the lacrosse program and served as head coach at St. David's School. The 2014 Southwest Wake Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, she has also worked with the Carolina Flight Travel Club since 2013.

A 2007 graduate of Methodist University, Walker was a three-year letterwinner for the Monarchs and was a USA South Academic All-Conference performer. She also competed in post-college level lacrosse with the Carolina Heat.

"Over the next year, I am eager to find athletes who are excited about starting a program from the ground up," she stated. "Lacrosse is the fastest growing youth sport in our country, and I know there are athletes looking for a place to call home. I am excited to get a team on the field in 2018 and face USA South competitors that include my alma mater, Methodist University."

Walker continued, "My coaching philosophy is based on lacrosse as family. I enjoy helping young women develop not only as athletes, but more importantly as citizens in their community."

A native of Columbia, Md., Walker is a US Lacrosse Level 1 Certified Coach and serves as board member with the Eastern NC Chapter of US Lacrosse. She currently resides in Apex with her husband Thomas, a PGA Golf Professional.

"Wesleyan is a small community with welcoming arms, and our lacrosse program will be the same. I am thrilled to introduce Rocky Mount to 'the fastest game on two feet' and hope they will embrace our sport and its traditions."