Kersten Vanem-Walker enters her first season as the interim head coach for Alcorn Men's and Women's Tennis, respectfully, returning to the program where she made her mark both as a student-athlete and graduate assistant. Prior to accepting the interim head coach position during the winter, Vanem-Walker had originally signed on to be an assistant coach for the Braves. But the chance to step up as interim head coach presented itself quickly, and she accepted the opportunity afforded to her.

A native of Kuressaare, a city on the island Saaremaa in Estonia, Vanem-Walker enjoyed a decorated playing career at Alcorn State from 2010 to 2014, serving as the No. 1 singles and doubles player all four years. Her outstanding collegiate career was highlighted by numerous honors, including being named the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Player of the Year, 2014 SWAC First Team Singles, and 2014 SWAC All-Conference Team.

That same year, she received the Halbrook Award and was selected 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.

Vanem-Walker was also the 2012 SWAC Player of the Year, earning First Team Singles, First Team Doubles, and All-Conference Team honors. She was a three-time SWAC All-Conference selection (2011, 2012, 2013) and began her collegiate career by being named Alcorn’s Women’s Tennis Freshman of the Year in 2011.

Following her playing career, Vanem-Walker served as a graduate assistant for the Alcorn women’s tennis program from 2014 to 2017, helping lead the Lady Braves to the 2016 SWAC Championship.

She 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.