After shutting down its athletic program for several years, LaGuardia Community College in Queens is again feeling the rush of excitement that sports generate. Student-athletes have a sense of purpose and the community is enjoying watching the various sports develop. Athletic Director Andrew Walker, a Queens native who previously worked in athletic administration at Long Island University, was working as a guidance counselor at Rising Ground, a residential treatment center in Yonkers, when he received the call about being part of the rebirth of athletics at LaGuardia. Intrigued by getting back into the college sports scene, he took on the challenge.
“I envisioned [college sports] as my last stop in my working career,” said Walker. “LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams asked if I could help him reinvigorate the once very popular LaGuardia men’s and women’s basketball teams.” The basketball teams returned for the 2022-23 academic year. This fall brought the debut of women’s volleyball. LaGuardia also offers men’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country. Walker appreciates providing opportunities to local talent. “It was something of a chore, but a chore of enduring happiness and wanting to introduce sports back to Long Island City and LaGuardia Community College,” he said.
While community colleges have many older students, most of the student-athletes are coming to LaGuardia right out of high school and want to continue competing. “Basketball, soccer ,and volleyball are very popular sports in the New York City high school PSAL [Public Schools Athletic League] system,” said Walker. “They want to be a part of something.”
Walker is aware that some talented student-athletes aren’t recruited out of high school and are looking for a chance to showcase their talents; they could garner the attention of a four-year college while at LaGuardia. “It’s been in my blood for years and years after my professional playing career [Walker played basketball in the NBA and overseas] to work with this type of population,” he said. “I’m motivated to give back to communities, especially this community.” Bringing volleyball to LaGuardia has been well received. “The women, their hunger and team environment, we’ve created something special here,” said Walker. “I’m so proud of our coaches and student-athletes, how hard they work and how together they stand. … Kudos go to the kids wanting to be out there and be a part of something special here.”