Tom Walter

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Why I Got In the Game:

“At the heart of our organization is a simple request...get off the sideline and Get In the Game. Instances of racism have been tolerated and even accepted since the beginning of time, and it is our responsibility to take action and change the game. I have spent a lifetime developing and empowering young baseball players in the hope that they will leave our program comfortable in their own skin and ready to make a difference in the world. Get In the Game can do the same thing for America’s youth. We will challenge them to think differently and take action while equipping them with the tools and resources they need to become America’s next generation of leaders, advocates, influencers, partners, and GameChangers that will build a more inclusive society.”

Tom Walter is head baseball coach at Wake Forest University & founder of Get In the Game. A proven program & player developer, he is one of two active head coaches in the US to lead three different programs to the NCAA D1 Tournament & seventh coach all-time to do so. He also works w/ USA Baseball, coaching & mentoring youth.

Development off the field is equally as important to Walter as on the field. All of his program’s seniors have graduated on time for eight straight years; 100% of team has done community service for 12 straight years, and they have raised more than $100,000 for charities. Walter also selflessly donated a kidney to outfielder Kevin Jordan just days before the 2011 season opener. Jordan was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease and needed a transplant. Without hesitation, Walter gave Jordan one of his own, and in turn, gave Jordan an opportunity at a new life. In 2020, he and Jordan chose to use their story to inspire and create change, founding GITG, a 501(c)(3) that engages students in grades 7-12 via facilitated school clubs and gives them resources to better understand themselves and recognize the impact they can have when they’re intentional in word, thought and deed. Walter has a B.S. from Georgetown and MBA from George Washington.