Oxford, MI – Brooke Walker, assistant coach of the women’s basketball team, Walker, affectionately known as “Queen B,” who died in a car accident on January 12, 2025. She was only 30 years old.
The accident occurred near her hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, and the news of her passing has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Crystal Springs, where she was raised. Her loss has left a profound void not only in the hearts of her family and friends but also among the students and colleagues who came to rely on her unwavering support and mentorship.
A Passionate Coach and Mentor
Brooke Walker was much more than an assistant coach at Holmes Community College; she was a mentor, a role model, and a fierce advocate for the young athletes she worked with. Over her four seasons with the college’s women’s basketball team, Walker’s dedication to the sport and her players never wavered. Her infectious charisma and deep love for basketball inspired everyone around her, from her players to her fellow coaches.
Walker had a unique ability to connect with her students, encouraging them to excel not only on the basketball court but in all areas of their lives. Her coaching style was a blend of tough love and unwavering encouragement, pushing her players to reach their full potential while offering the support they needed to overcome challenges.
“She believed in her players even when they didn’t believe in themselves,” shared a colleague from the coaching staff. “Brooke was the kind of person who made you feel like you could achieve anything, both in sports and in life.”
A Stellar Coaching Career
Walker brought a wealth of experience to Holmes, having coached at various levels before joining the college. She had a natural gift for coaching, and her impressive achievements as a head coach at Humphreys Academy in Belzoni proved her prowess. In 2020 and 2021, she led both the junior high and high school girls’ teams to remarkable success, with her junior high team clinching the district title and her high school team sweeping the district, North State, and MAIS A State championships.
Her leadership didn’t go unnoticed, as she earned the prestigious title of MAIS A Coach of the Year, cementing her reputation as one of the most dedicated and skilled coaches in the region. She had an extraordinary ability to shape teams and individual players into champions, both in terms of their athleticism and personal growth.
In addition to her role at Holmes, Walker was also a prominent figure in youth basketball, serving as head coach of the Team Mississippi 15U team and assistant coach for both the Team Mississippi 18U team and the Mississippi Jazz AAU teams. Under her leadership, her AAU teams achieved numerous milestones, including two Nike National Championships and 15 local and regional titles.
A Life Rooted in Basketball
Walker’s love for basketball started during her own high school years at Copiah Academy, where she was a standout player. Her passion for the game and exceptional skills earned her recognition as team MVP, MAIS All-Star, and First Team All-Conference. These accolades paved the way for her to play for two seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College before transferring to the University of Mississippi.
Walker was not only a successful athlete but also a dedicated student. She earned her associate degree from Northwest Mississippi Community College and later completed her bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Mississippi, with minors in sociology, English, and education. Her well-rounded education mirrored her approach to life and coaching, as she was committed to developing the whole person, not just the athlete.
A Lasting Legacy
Brooke Walker’s sudden passing has left a community in mourning, but her legacy as a coach, mentor, and advocate for young athletes will endure. The students she inspired, the teams she led to victory, and the friendships she fostered will all serve as a testament to the indelible mark she left on the world of basketball and beyond.
Her friends, family, and the Holmes Community College basketball family are devastated by the loss of “Queen B,” but they take comfort in the knowledge that her influence will continue to guide and inspire future generations of athletes. As they gather to remember her life, her booming laugh, radiant smile, and unwavering love for the game will forever be etched in their hearts.
Rest in peace, Brooke Walker. Your legacy lives on in every life you touched, on and off the court.