The Louisville women’s basketball program just pulled off a slam dunk hire, and they didn’t have to look far to find their new director of operations. Former Cardinal standout Cortnee Walton is trading in her sneakers for a clipboard, stepping into a key leadership role for her alma mater.
Walton, who helped guide the Cards to a Final Four during her playing days, isn’t exactly a newcomer to the UofL sidelines. She’s been working behind the scenes in alumni relations and player development, but now she’s getting the keys to the operation.
“This is a dream come true,” Walton told the Courier Journal. “Louisville’s in my blood. Now I get to help steer the ship that meant so much to me as a player.”
During her time in Cardinal red, Walton was known for her grit and leadership. Now she’ll be putting those skills to use managing everything from road trips to budgets, making sure Jeff Walz’s squad has what it needs to chase championships.
Speaking of Walz, the head honcho couldn’t be happier with the hire. “Cortnee gets it,” Walz said. “She knows what it takes to win here, both on and off the court. Having her running point on our operations is a game-changer.”
For Cardinal fans, seeing Walton back in a prominent role is like comfort food. She’s been part of the program’s rise to national prominence, first as a player and now working her way up the coaching ranks. With Walton in charge of the day-to-day, don’t be surprised if the Cards keep soaring to new heights.
The KFC Yum! Center just got a little homier, and the Louisville women’s basketball program just got a whole lot stronger. Cortnee Walton is back where she belongs, and the rest of the ACC better take notice.
