LORMAN, Miss. – Alcorn State University tennis has added a familiar face to its coaching staff as former standout Kersten Vanem-Walker returns to the program as an assistant coach for the 2025 season.
A native of Kuressaare, Estonia, Vanem-Walker joins the Braves after previously serving the program as both a student-athlete and graduate assistant. She brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a strong connection to the winning tradition of Alcorn tennis.
During her collegiate career from 2010 to 2014, Vanem-Walker was a dominant force on the court, competing as the No. 1 singles and doubles player all four years. Her accomplishments include being named the 2014 SWAC Player of the Year, earning multiple First Team All-SWAC honors, and helping lead the Lady Braves to numerous conference successes. She also received the Halbrook Award and was honored as Alcorn's SWA Female Athlete of the Year, Women's Tennis Player of the Year, and Women's Tennis Doubles Player of the Year.
Following her playing career, Vanem-Walker served as a graduate assistant from 2014 to 2017, contributing to the Lady Braves' 2016 SWAC Championship.
Vanem-Walker earned both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Cum Laude, 2014) and Master of Science in Secondary Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (With Highest Distinction, 2017) from Alcorn State University.
Her return to Lorman marks a full-circle moment as she reunites with the program where her collegiate journey began, continuing the legacy of success established under longtime head coach Anthony Dodgen.
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