The Walkers have united to coach varsity boys basketball at Watkinson School.

By Irene O’Connor

West Hartford residents Mark and Matt Walker are proving that basketball is truly a family sport at Watkinson School.

In his first year as head coach and third year overall with the program, Mark Walker has led Watkinson’s boys varsity basketball team to a first-place tie in their conference. Alongside him on the sideline is his son, Matt Walker, serving as assistant coach in what has become a dream season for the father-son duo.

The father-son coaching due of Mark Walker (right) and Matt Walker have had a very successful season at Watkinson School. Photo credit: Bobby Fleury

Friday night’s semifinal matchup against The Williams School was especially meaningful, as it also marked Senior Night for Watkinson. The program honored seniors Henry Buck, Aidan Thompson of West Hartford, Liam McWhite, Nathan Pawlos, and Jalen Welch for their leadership and dedication to the team. The night celebrated not only a successful season, but also the culture the Walkers have helped build.

Coach Mark talks about coaching with his son Matt: “It’s the best thing that could have happened to me. I enjoy being around Matt, but seeing his knowledge of the game and how well he interacts with the boys has been a major part of our success. Matt has implemented many of the offensive plays and many of the game strategies. There is no better dream for me than to be coaching with my son Matt.”

Watkinson School boys basketball seniors. Photo credit: Bobby Fleury

Coach Walker brings more than 40 years of experience to Watkinson’s athletics program. A graduate of Conard High School, he moved to West Hartford from Miami as a fifth grader and has deep roots in the community. He previously coached six years at Conard and five at Hall High School before joining Watkinson. He also serves as director of the West Hartford Boys Travel Basketball program and is the owner of On The Court.

Matt Walker, a 2021 graduate of Hall High School, joined his father this season after three years coaching at Kingswood Oxford School. He has also coached with CT Swarm and West Hartford Travel Basketball. His energy and game plan input have raised the team’s level of play throughout the season.

Watkinson closed out the regular season with a 9-1 league record and an 11-5 overall mark, earning a share of first place in the conference. The Walker-led squad has also challenged itself by scheduling matchups against top prep programs including Putnam Science Academy, Hamden Hall Country Day School, Westminster School, and IMG Academy – experience Mark Walker says has prepared the team well for postseason play.

Watkinson now turns its focus to the NEPSAC tournament, beginning Wednesday, March 4, as the father-son coaching team continues a season that has already become one of the most memorable in recent program history.