Jordan Walker, a graduate-transfer recruit to the 2020-21 Lady Vols basketball and an MBA candidate in the Haslam College of Business, is heir to a family tradition of academic and athletic success.

“I come from a basketball family, and I also come from a family where education is held in high regard,” Walker says.

Her parents, standout athletes Jarvis and Danielle Walker, emphasized the importance of education, but they did not try to steer Walker to a particular path. They trusted that her faith would guide her and supported her decisions. Walker justified that trust, academically and athletically.

While accomplishing an exceptional high school basketball career, Walker took AP courses and maintained a high GPA. After graduation, she joined her sister at Western Michigan University, where she enjoyed success with the WMU Broncos while completing her undergraduate degree early.

The next step was deciding where she wanted to continue preparing for a pro basketball career while pursuing an MBA in a quality program.

“I want to play basketball professionally, but afterward, having an MBA from a great program will be what I need,” Walker says. “In making the decision to transfer from Western Michigan, I wanted to choose a program that would be the best for my future on and off the court. I decided Tennessee and the Haslam MBA program were just right for me.”

Walker’s strong work ethic and discipline brought her successfully to this point, and she plans to apply these skills during her time in Haslam, balancing her MBA course load and other pursuits.

“I want to focus on entrepreneurship, so one goal is opening up a salon back in my hometown (Norton Shores, Mich.) and another is opening up gyms that would be used for AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and others events, customized for the players,” Walker says. “I have been to so many tournaments, this is something I would like to give back.”

To that end, Walker says UT is giving her tools to use in the future, and she expresses gratitude to her coaches and the Haslam faculty and staff who are helping her along. One encounter in particular has defined the program so far; Program director Mary Goss attended her first day of class and approached Walker afterward.

“I didn’t expect her to know who I was – I had planned to introduce myself – and she said, ‘If there is ever anything you need, or if you feel like you are overwhelmed, do not hesitate to reach out,’” Walker says. “That just set the tone. One, they know me. Two, they care for me, for my overall well-being. That was a moment that stood out to me.”

Without a doubt, Walker can look forward to many more standout moments in the future.