FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards has removed the interim title and named Justin Walker head coach of George Mason softball.  
 
"We are excited to have Justin Walker continue to lead our softball program," Edwards said. "Our returning student-athletes shared their overwhelming support for Justin and provided many examples on how they excelled under his tutelage and leadership. We were very encouraged on how our program performed academically as well as the strides they made competitively. We will continue to support Justin's efforts in building upon the culture he has worked to establish."
 
Walker was named interim head coach of the Patriot softball program on April 15, 2020, where he later led the Green & Gold to an 8-0 record to start the 2021 season, the program's best start since 1983. Walker capped off his first season at the helm with the program's first winning season (18-17 overall record) since 2014.  
 
In the classroom under Walker, 26 softball student-athletes were named to the 2020-21 Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll, 96 percent of the team's roster. He will be entering his fifth season with the team and his second as head coach. Walker joined the softball coaching staff as an assistant in 2018. 
 
"I'm appreciative of the opportunity and excited to continue to lead the George Mason softball program," said Walker. "I want to thank Brad Edwards and the Mason administration for their continued support and confidence. "Last year when I was presented the opportunity to become the interim head coach, my staff and I did everything in our power to help create a positive and constant place for our team to grow on and off the field while having success in the classroom. I look forward to seeing that growth continue and develop throughout my years at George Mason." 
 
Under the direction of Walker in 2021, the Patriots' pitching staff finished with the fewest hits surrendered in the Atlantic 10, second-fewest earned runs, third in team ERA (2.68) and opponent batting average (.254) and fourth in total shutouts (6). The Green & Gold also finished second in the conference in stolen bases (62) and fourth in fielding percentage (.964) last season. 
 
During his first season as interim head coach, sophomore Rachel Warrens was named to the A-10 All-Conference Second Team and A-10 All-Rookie Team while junior EJ Bankson earned VaSID All-State honors. Senior pitcher Haellie Gordon was also named A-10 Pitcher of the Week (March 16) under Walker.
 
Prior to his time with Mason softball, Walker spent four seasons with the baseball program. 
 
As a member of Mason baseball, Walker was part of a coaching staff that brought an A-10 Championship to Fairfax in their inaugural season (2014) as members of the conference and the program's first conference title since 1992.  
 
A native of Marengo, Ohio, Walker is a graduate of Rio Grande University in Ohio, where he earned his degree in sports and exercise studies with a minor in coach leadership.