< PreviousStrength & Conditioning Sports Medicine The Louisville Sports Performance (LSP) program is responsible for all aspects of athlete development, regeneration, and perfor- mance nutrition. Women’s basketball strength and condi- tioning coach Kaitlynn Jones is focused on delivering the finest training program to reduce injury risk, enhance athletic performance and increase competitive success. The primary goal of the LSP program is to minimize risk of injury by preparing athletes for the specific demands of competition. It is well established that effective training improves joint mobility and stability, increases muscular strength and power, enhances movement efficiency, and improves sport-specific condi- tioning. The end result is a heightened ability to manage the physical stress of competition. The second goal of the program is to ele- vate sport-specific athleticism. This is accom- plished through consistent, well-planned, sport-specific training that challenges athletes mentally and physically, preparing them to perform optimally during competition. Philosophically, the LSP program adopts a movement-based approach to training. In sport, the body produces explosive movements at high rates of speed. For training to be effective, it must prepare the body to execute these movements safely. As a result, ground-based, multi-joint and multi-plane movements are the foundation of the LSP program. Sport-specific movement training and conditioning, and well-planned active and passive regeneration are also critical components of building the best athletes. LSP coaches, who all carry (or are working toward) graduate degrees in exercise physiol- ogy and are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, implement per- formance testing at regular intervals during the year to evaluate training progress and identify strengths and weaknesses. Using the LSP Performance Index, each athlete is able to monitor their personal progress over time, and compete with their teammates and other UofL athletes. As part of their prevention program, LSP coaches also conduct biomechanical move- ment assessments to identify movement deficiencies that may predispose athletes to injury. This screening tool allows coaches to implement individualized corrective training to address limitations. Finally, building the best athletes and increasing competitive success extends beyond the physical. Desire, work ethic, atti- tude, mental toughness, leadership and character are intangibles that must be developed off the field. Through creative and competitive training the LSP staff takes pride in developing the anatomy of a champion- body, mind and spirit! Injuries are a part of sports - they come with every aspect of the game. Dealing with athletic injuries falls into the capable hands of the University of Louisville Sports Medicine Staff. The Department of Sports Medicine at the University of Louisville is a team of health care professionals dedicated to athlete care, research and education. Located in state-of-the-art facilities at Cardinal Park, the department features a sophisticated array of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. UofL has entered into a unique partnership with Jewish Hospital and Frazier Rehab, giving access of their facilities and medical personnel to our athletes in a manner unmatched by any other such agreement. The philosophy of the sports medicine staff is twofold; to help prevent injuries as much as pos- sible through effective preventative programs, and to facilitate an effective rehabilitation program after an injury. In all cases, the ultimate well-being of each individual is considered the top priority. Integration of the sports medicine staff into all aspects of year-round nutrition, cardiovascular conditioning, psychological preparation and visual training give the Louisville intercollegiate sports teams the competitive edge. Research conducted by the staff and associated departments keep UofL coaches and athletes on the cutting edge of innova- tion. In addition, the Sports Medicine staff routinely participates in regional and national meetings pre- sented in the sports medicine field. 28 University of Louisville | gocards.comMission Statement Our mission is to pro- vide comprehensive aca- demic support, counseling, guidance, services, and programming to all Univer- sity of Louisville student- athletes while promoting self-responsibility, personal growth, and academic development. Academic Counseling Student-athletes are required to meet with their academic counselor on a regular basis. Counselors provide academic support to assure student-ath- letes are utilizing available resources and maintain- ing satisfactory academic progress to stay on track for graduation. They monitor academic progress throughout the semester and communicate with coaches concerning student performance and aca- demic issues. Learning Concerns Student-athletes with specific learning chal- lenges may require increased support in addition to our academic counselors. Our staff includes three learning specialists with years of special education experience to work with these students on enhanc- ing note taking, test taking, study, time manage- ment, and organizational skills. They also work with the University’s Disability Resource Center to coordinate services for our students with diagnosed learning challenges. Tutoring Tutoring is one of the most utilized resources for our student-athletes. The Tutorial Coordinator currently manages a group of approximately 65 tutors across all subject areas. She works with our Compliance office to assure all tutors are staying within NCAA regulations and coordinates with the University’s Resources for Academic Achievement (REACH) center to make sure our tutors are College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) certified. Career Services Our Cardinal Athletic Career Center provides career guidance and planning for all student- athletes. The Director of Career Services assists in resume development, job shadows, and internships throughout their college experience with the long- term goal of admission into graduate school or job placement upon graduation. Objective Based Study Hall All incoming student-athletes are required to participate in objective based study hall. The pro- gram is built upon students working with their counselors to create and complete weekly objective sheets in a structured environment. Specific stipu- lations such as the number of hours and upper- classmen requirements vary from team to team. Progress Reports Progress reports for all student-athletes are sent out to instructors twice each semester via email. Their feedback is an invaluable tool in assessing aca- demic progress and formulating academic recovery strategies for students that may be struggling. Travel Letters All in-season student-athletes will be given offi- cial University travel letters at the beginning of the semester. Travel letters will detail all the classes that are expected to be missed that semester due to athletic competition. They provide student-athletes an opportunity to engage their instructors early in the semester regarding any potential issues with missed assignments or exams, allowing ample time to make appropriate arrangements. Priority Registration All student-athletes meet with their athletic aca- demic counselor and University advisor for major advising, course selection, and to discuss degree program requirements. It is imperative that students understand how the classes they take impact their progress toward degree and determine whether they stay on track for graduation. Facilities The Thorntons Academic Center for Excellence serves as the main location of Academic Services for Athletics. We also have academic centers located in the Howard Schnellenberger Football Com- plex (Woodruff Academic Center), Yum! Center, Jim Patterson Stadium, women’s basketball lounge, and golf offices (Dow Huffman Academic Center) to more conveniently serve the needs of those student-athletes. The Throntons Aca- demic Center opened in 2016 at the south end of the football stadium. Technology All of our academic facilities are equipped with computer labs and printers to meet student-ath- lete needs. We also have a full time Computer Specialist who works to ensure that all labs are operational and assists with diagnosing issues on student’s personal laptops as they arise. Due to travel demands and the increased amount of online work, we provide laptops for our students to check out as needed. Aid, Awards, and Scholarships Academic counselors assist our student-athletes on completing nominations for University, Atlantic Coast Conference, and NCAA awards and scholarships. They work with our compliance office on financial aid issues as well as awarding summer and fifth-year aid. We also coordinate the Houston-Bridgeman Fellows Car- dinal Degree Completion program to assist returning student-athletes in graduating. Organizations Academic Services for Athletics advis- es several Registered Student Organizations exclusive to our student-athletes. Student- Athletes of Color Combining Opportunity and Responsibility for Excellence (SCORE) and Louisville International Family Enrich- ment (LIFE) help serve the needs of our minority and international students. These groups pro- vide programming and opportunities to get involved on campus and in the commu- nity. We also over- see the Univer- sity of Louisville chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National Col- lege Athlete Honor Society. Chris May ACADEMICSACADEMICSACADEMICSACADEMICS gocards.com | University of Louisville 2920 21 Coaching StaffLightning speed. That’s the only rate at which Jeff Walz operates. It’s also the pace at which University of Louisville women’s basketball burst into the national spotlight under his tutelage as one of the most com- petitive and successful programs. On June 12, 2018, it was announced that his con- tract with the University of Louisville had been extended through 2024-25. In 13 seasons, the women’s basketball program boasts a quite astounding resumé: nine trips to the NCAA Sweet 16, five trips to the Elite Eight, three trips to the final four and two trips to the national title game; four highly decorated All-Americans; 33 all-conference selections; and 11 WNBA Draft picks. Not to mention, Louisville possesses an impressive record under Walz of 359-104 - or an average of 27.6 victories per season. For a school that had yet to win 30 games in a season in its previous 32 years, Walz directed Louisville to a program-record 36 victories in 2017-18, 34 victories in 2008-09, 33 wins in 2013-14 and 32 wins in 2018-19. The Cardinals finished with 28 wins in the shortened 2019-20 season. Walz and the Cardinals also have been privy to play in the nation’s finest facility in the KFC Yum! Center, a 22,000-seat state-of-the-art arena. Since opening in 2010, the Cardinals boast a 152-17 record at home. That might be in large part to the heavy support Lou- isville receives. Since the 2010-11 season, Louisville has ranked in the top-five nationally in attendance and averaged more than 9,300 fans per game. After being hired as the Cardinals’ head coach on March 27, 2007, the Bluegrass State native used little time to make a splash. His first year featured the pro- gram’s first NCAA Sweet 16 and it culminated with Lou- isville earning the No. 12 ranking in the final ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. For his efforts, Walz was named the WBCA Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year. Prior to taking the reins at Louisville, Walz spent five seasons at Maryland, including his final season as the associate head coach in 2006-07. The season prior, he helped lead the Terrapins to a school-record 34 wins and the program’s first national title. His tenure in the collegiate ranks consists of stops previously at Minnesota, Nebraska, and Western Kentucky. Walz received a basketball scholarship to Northern Kentucky, where he graduated with a bachelor of science in secondary education in May of 1995. He WALZWALZ JeffJeff Head Coach | 14th Season 35 University of Louisville n gocards.com Coaching Staff Louisville Basketballearned his master’s degree in education in August of 1997 from Western Kentucky. Walz has four children: daughter Kaeley, son Jacob, and daughters Lola and Lucy. He married the former Lauren Lueders in September of 2012, and the couple resides in Louisville. COACHING RESPONSIBILITY: Head Coach YEAR AT LOUISVILLE: 14th BIRTHDAY: October 27 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree (Northern Kentucky, ’95); Master’s Degree (Western Kentucky, ’97) HOMETOWN: Fort Thomas, Ky. FAMILY: Wife – Lauren; Son – Jacob; Daughters – Kaeley, Lola, Lucy ATHLETIC CAREER Two-year letterwinner on the men’s basketball team at Northern Kentucky COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER 2007-Present: Louisville (head coach) 2006-07: Maryland (associate head coach) 2002-06: Maryland (assistant coach) 2001-02: Minnesota (assistant coach) 1997-01: Nebraska (assistant coach) 1996-97: Western Kentucky (assistant coach) Coaching Highlights LOUISVILLE n Is the winningest coach in program history with a 359-104 record in 13 seasons, boasting a 160-52 mark in league play; Louisville is averaging 27.6 victo- ries per year. n In 13 years, he has directed Louisville to a pair of national runner-up finishes (2009, 2013), three Final Four appearances (2009, 2013, 2018), five Elite Eight appearances (2009, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019), nine trips to the Sweet 16, and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. At the conclusion of the 2019-20 regular season, the NCAA Tournament was canceled. n Louisville ranks fourth in the country in NCAA Final Four appearances in the last 11 years with three (2009, 2013, 2018). n One of eight active coaches to reach at least three Final Fours. n Ranks seventh all-time in NCAA Tournament win- ning percentage (minimum of 20 games), boasting a 30-11 mark (73.2 winning percentage). n Became just the second coach in NCAA history to take a team to the national championship game (2009) after just two seasons as a head coach. n In 2013, orchestrated the biggest upset in wom- en’s basketball history with the defeat of No. 1 overall seed Baylor in the NCAA Sweet 16; Louisville then defeated No. 2 seed Tennessee to reach their second Final Four in four years before beating Cal to advance to the national title game. n Led Cards to 34 victories in 2009; after knocking off a pair of No. 1 seeds (Maryland, Oklahoma) and a No. 2 seed (Baylor), the Cardinals advanced to the championship game; Louisville defeated Maryland for its first NCAA Final Four appearance. n Named ACC Coach of the Year after producing a program-best 36-3 record in 2017-18 as Louisville reached its third Final Four. Reached as high as No. 2 in Associated Press poll, which marked highest rating in school history. Opened season with a 20-0 record, which marked best start and longest winning streak in program history. n Directed Cardinals to 32-4 record and its second straight ACC regular season championship in 2018-19, which marked the first time in program history that Louisville has won back-to-back regular season confer- ence titles. Advanced to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season. n Led Louisville to a 28-4 record and its third straight ACC regular season championship in 2019-20. It marked the program’s first ever outright ACC regular season title. Prior to this stretch, Louisville had never won consecutive regular season conference titles. It also marked UofL’s first outright regular season conference title since they won the Conference USA regular season championship in 2000-01. It marked their 8th conference title. n Named WBCA Regional Coach of the Year, Nai- smith National Coach of the Year finalist in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and Naismith National Coach of the Year Semifinalist in 2019-20. n In three seasons combined (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20), Louisville put together 96-11 record, the best three-year stretch in program history. n Led the Cardinals to 10 consecutive seasons with at least 20 victories. n Recorded his 300th win with a 102-80 victory over Western Kentucky on Nov. 6, 2019. n Surpassed 200 career wins in just 272 games, becoming the 21st-fastest active coach to reach the plateau and achieving it nine games quicker than Con- necticut head coach Geno Auriermma. n Eleven players have been drafted in the WNBA under the tutelage of Walz. Jazmine Jones and forward Kylee Shook were selected in back-to-back picks by the New York Liberty in the 2020 WNBA Draft. Jones went 12th overall and was the final pick of the first round, while Shook went 13th. Asia Durr was selected second overall by the New York Liberty in the 2019 WNBA Draft and was later joined by Arica Carter, who went to the Phoenix Mercury with the 32nd pick, and Sam Year School Overall Home Away/Neutral Conf. Postseason 2007-08 Louisville 26-10 10-2 16-8 10-6 NCAA Sweet 16 2008-09 Louisville 34-15 14-1 20-4 14-2 NCAA Runner-Up 2009-10 Louisville 14-18 7-7 7-11 5-11 WBI 2010-11 Louisville 22-13 13-2 9-11 10-6 NCAA Sweet 16 2011-12 Louisville 23-10 11-2 12-8 10-6 NCAA 2nd Rd. 2012-13 Louisville 29-9 16-2 13-7 11-5 NCAA Runner-Up 2013-14 Louisville 33-5 18-2 15-3 16-2 NCAA Elite Eight 2014-15 Louisville 27-7 16-1 11-6 12-4 NCAA Sweet 16 2015-16 Louisville 26-8 13-3 13-5 15-1 NCAA 2nd Rd. 2016-17 Louisville 29-8 18-2 11-6 12-4 NCAA Sweet 16 2017-18 Louisville 36-3 18-1 18-2 15-1 NCAA Final Four 2018-19 Louisville 32-4 16-1 16-3 14-2 NCAA Elite Eight 2019-20 Louisville 28-4 13-1 15-3 16-2 No NCAA Tournament Totals 13 seasons 359-104 183-27 176-77 160-52 Jeff Walz’s Career Coaching Record gocards.com n University of Louisville 36 Coaching Staff Louisville BasketballFuehring, who went to the Washington Mystics with the 34th pick. With three players drafted in 2019, Louisville tied its program-record which was also set in 2014. Myisha Hines-Allen was drafted 19th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2018 WNBA Draft. In 2014, Louisville had three players drafted with Shoni Schim- mel (eighth), Antonita Slaughter (35th), and Asia Taylor (36th); Louisville’s three picks were the most from any school that season. Angel McCoughtry was selected first overall by Atlanta Dream in 2009 draft and Candyce Bingham was selected 39th in 2009 draft. n Coached Dana Evans to ACC Player of the Year and WBCA All-American accolades during the 2019- 20 season. She became the first player in ACC history (male or female) to win Player of the Year honors a year after winning ACC Sixth Player of the Year. Walz has coached the ACC Player of the Year in four of the past five seasons (Evans - 2019-20; Durr - 2018-19; 2017- 18; Hines-Allen - 2015-16). She is the fourth player in program history to earn a player of the year distinc- tion, joining Durr, Hines-Allen and Angel McCoughtry (2006-07 Big East Player of the Year). She is third WBCA All-American in program history, joined by Durr and McCoughtry. n Piloted Asia Durr to ACC Player of the Year acco- lades for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns. She is the third player in program history to earn a player of the year distinction, joining Myisha Hines-Allen (2015- 16 ACC Player of the Year) and Angel McCoughtry (2006-07 Big East Player of the Year). She is the first player in program history to earn player of the year hon- ors multiple times. She was selected second overall by the New York Liberty in the 2019 WNBA Draft. n Named the 2008 WBCA Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year in his first season after leading the school to its first NCAA Sweet 16; that year, Louisville earned its first win over a top-five opponent (No. 4 Rut- gers) in school history, then beat No. 16 West Virginia for consecutive wins over ranked opponents for the first time in school history. n Named USA Basketball National Coach of the Year after guiding the 2019 USA Basketball Women’s U19 National Team to a gold medal at the World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Also led the 2018 U18 team to a gold medal in Mexico City. Served as court coach for 2017 USA Basketball National Team Training Camp. Served as U-23 National Team head coach during sum- mer of 2017 and led team to 3-0 record at U24 Four Nations Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. Was on the 2014 staff for the USA Basketball Women’s U-18 National Team and worked as an assistant for the U.S. Women’s U-19 World Championship Team; both squads earned gold medals. n Guided the Cardinals to a 16-2 conference record in 2013-14 (AAC) and 2019-20 (ACC), set- ting the program record for most conference victories. Coached the program to a stellar 15-1 mark in ACC play in 2015-16 and 2017-18, the second-most wins in conference play in school history. n Has a proven track record for identifying tal- ent, having signed multiple top-10 recruiting classes; inked the program’s highest-rated group in 2015 that was ranked first by ESPN; overall, Walz has signed 14 McDonald’s All-Americans. n Developed four of the most decorated players in school history in Angel McCoughtry, Shoni Schimmel, Myisha Hines-Allen and Asia Durr; all finished their careers as AP All-Americans and rank No. 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, on the career scoring list. n Directed McCoughtry to become the first pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft; she was the program’s first three-time State Farm WBCA All-American; she accumulated 2007 BIG EAST Player of the Year and 2009 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year honors during her tenure along with 2009 Raleigh Regional Most Outstanding Player accolades. n Built an exciting brand of basketball that has seen Louisville rank in the top-five nationally in attendance each of the last 10 seasons; the Cardinals have aver- aged more than 9,330 per game during that span. n Louisville boasts a 183-27 home record (87.1 winning percentage) with Walz at the helm. Since opening the KFC Yum! Center in 2010, the Cardinals boast a 152-17 (.899) record at home. The Cardinals set the record for home wins in 2013-14 (18-2), 2016-17 (18- 2), and 2017-18 (18-1). MARYLAND n Helped build Maryland into a national power during his tenure with the Terrapins win- ning the 2006 national title; Maryland made four-consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tourna- ment, advancing to at least the second round each time. n Seven Terrapins earned all-ACC accolades; two players (Crystal Langhorne, Marissa Coleman) earned ACC Rookie of the Year status in consecutive seasons. MINNESOTA n Specifically worked with the posts and centers, including developing Janel McCarville into the 2002 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. n UM went 22-8 in lone season with the program, culminating with a trip to the NCAA Tournament second round; the program went just 8-20 the season prior. NEBRASKA n Played a major role in Nebraska earning a then- school record three-consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament (1998-00); the Huskers totaled a pair of 20-plus win seasons. n Coached Nicole Kubik, the Los Angeles Sparks’ No. 1 pick in the 2000 WNBA Draft. n Was involved in all aspects of the program, including recruiting efforts, academics, scheduling, and camps; also became responsible for individual develop- ment workouts and opponent scouting. WESTERN KENTUCKY n Helped the team earn an at-large bid to the 1997 NCAA Tournament. n Assisted Western Kentucky to a 22-9 record to earn a share of the Sun Belt regular-season title. PRE-COLLEGIATE CAREER n Served as an AAU coach in 1995-96; coached at the middle and high school levels in 1992. n Coached his sister Jamie, the 1996 National Prep Player of the Year; she now is the girls’ basketball coach at their alma mater Highlands High School. n Mentored 1999 NCAA champion and WNBA standout Ukari Figgs, Tennessee four-year letterwinner Kyra Elzy, and Ohio State product and Louisville native Marita Porter. The Walz Family: (Top Row) Jacob, Lauren, Jeff and Kaeley. (Bottom Row) Lucy and Lola. 37 University of Louisville n gocards.com Coaching Staff Louisville BasketballNext >