VSI Tampa Flames Name Walters Coach

BRANDON, Fla. – The VSI Tampa Flames announced today that Joshua Walters, Sr. has been named head coach of the club’s W-League team.  As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to the club,” Flames General Manager Alex Miranda said. “We are thoroughly committed to the long-term development of our club through our women’s program, and Josh fits that philosophy. He has an excellent track record of NCAA experience, he’s passionate, and he has a well-defined vision for the program.”

Walters, joins VSI Tampa Flames after being recently announced as an assistant coach for the University of Central Florida women’s soccer team. With the Knights, Walters serves as the program’s recruiting coordinator. He spent the last two years as Florida State’s director of soccer operations. At Florida State, Walters was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, including team travel, game-day operations and community involvement.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to join the VSI Tampa Flames in their inaugural season as the head coach of the W-League team and build the club’s tradition in their women’s programs,” Walters said. “The most important thing is to continue to build that connection from our youth players to the first team, and to give players the tools to progress to the highest level.”

Walters has a vast history in coaching soccer. Prior to joining the Florida State women’s program he was an assistant coach at Utah State for three seasons. From 2005-06, he was an assistant coach at the University of Houston.

Walters served 12 months as a First Lieutenant with Brigade S2 (Military Intelligence) of the Florida National Guard during Operation Enduring Freedom V in Bagram, Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, Walters set up and directed a soccer clinic as well as a series of games for Afghan youths. He later made a presentation on his experiences to the 2005 NSCAA Convention and was awarded the NSCAA Honorary All-American Award.

During his military deployment, Walters received the Bronze Star for Valor and Service, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Prior to his military duties, Walters was the head coach at Lawton Chiles High School in Tallahassee from 2000-05. During Walters’ first stint in Tallahassee, his teams received the NSCAA/adidas Team Academic Award for three consecutive seasons. Walters was also head coach of the Tallahassee United Futbol Club in 2002. Walters received his associate’s degree of the arts from Marion Military Institute in 1998. He captained the soccer team and also earned MVP honors.

After graduating from MMI, he was commissioned as a signal officer in the Florida National Guard. Walters’ coaching career started in Tallahassee at Godby High School, where he coached from 1998-2000. Additionally, he was the head coach for the Top of Florida Soccer Club until 2001.

A 2004 graduate of Columbia Southern University, Walters received his bachelor of arts in sports management and graduated cum laude. Walters holds an NSCAA Premier Diploma, as well as NSCAA Goalkeeper Advanced National and USSF "B" licenses.

VSI Tampa Flames opens its season on the road at 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 11 vs the Charlotte Lady Eagles at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Their home opener is two days later when they face the Central SC Cobras at 5 p.m., Sunday May 13 at JC Handley Park.