Walker back at Husson; some players may return

Mary “Kissy” Walker, who guided the Husson College women’s basketball team to a 236-95 record and four trips to the NAIA Division II National Tournament in her 12 years as the head coach, has returned to act as an assistant coach for the program.

Walker confirmed Wednesday night that she was contacted by Jim Doughty, the dean of education at the school who also oversees athletics, and was asked to aid second-year head coach Harold Williams as he continues the transition.

Nine of the 10 veteran players expected to return this season decided not to play for a variety of reasons including academic responsibilities and philosophical differences with Williams.

That left Williams with 13 freshmen but academic ineligibility, suspensions, and injuries have whittled that number dangerously low.

“Jim [Doughty] called and asked me to help out. I care about Husson and the program, and I do miss coaching,” said the 38-year-old Walker, who was a three-time state of Maine coach of the year and two-time Maine Athletic Conference coach of the year.

Walker said she has been in contact with several of the veteran players and indicated that “five or six” intend to join the team beginning with Thursday’s practice. They will have to have physicals and be cleared to play.

“The girls seemed pretty excited about getting back into it,” said Walker, who recruited them. “After sitting out, maybe they’ll be refreshed and more eager to play than they were before. I think everybody will work together [to get the program back on track].”

Husson went 9-15 a year ago and the Braves open their season against the University of Southern Maine on Friday night.

Augusta native Walker, a former standout guard at the University of Maine, resigned her coaching position at Husson because she wanted to devote more time to her foster child and toward pursuing a master’s degree.

She is also the clinical coordinator for Husson’s education program.

She said she met briefly with Williams on Wednesday and is looking forward to Thursday’s practice.

She said she isn’t sure what her role will be yet, but she isn’t concerned and just wants to help.