US Team Handball Women's National Team

The USA Women’s National Team would like to honor and remember 1LT Laura Walker, a 2003 graduate from the United States Military Academy. Laura Walker was an outstanding soldier and a committed athlete. On 18 August 2005, her life was tragically cut short when her High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan. She was assigned to the 864th Engineer Battalion (Heavy), 555th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Provisional), Fort Lewis, Washington.

In 2002-2003, Laura Walker served as the Women’s Handball Team Co-Captain, leading the West Point Black Knights both on and off the court. She was a natural leader, always willing to put in the extra mile to ensure her team was prepared. In 2003, she led the team to win College Nationals. To many new players, she was a mentor, a coach, a friend, and an inspiration. She had a gentle spirit and a love for the game. She was a player that you could always count on to give 100%. Although we grieve her loss, we know that Laura will live on in the legacy she helped to create.

In an effort to keep Laura’s vibrant spirit alive, the ladies of Army Women’s Team Handball would like to rename their annual spring tournament, The Laura Walker West Point Tournament, in her honor. Moreover, the team is trying to raise money to dedicate their new practice gymnasium to Laura. The memorial will consist of a plaque mounted in the vicinity of the gym detailing Laura’s dedication to and love for West Point, her teammates, the Army, and the sport of team handball. The Army Women’s Team Handball team feels such a memorial is vital to the future of not only the sport of Team Handball but also to all those involved in the sport. It is their hope that not only the players, but also the Cadets of the Corps and all visitors to the Academy will be exposed to the legacy of such an inspiring individual. If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, please contact:

Nicole Miller (845) 515-3256 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kiera Connerty (845) 515-5052 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it