Hokie Club
One of the greatest athletes, and the most credentialed heavyweight in program history, to ever don the orange and maroon returns to his alma mater. Virginia Tech wrestling head coach Tony Robie announced the addition of Ty Walz as assistant coach to complete the Hokies’ coaching staff ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
Walz returns to Blacksburg after a three-year tenure in Providence, Rhode Island where he was instrumental in the recruitment and development of Andrew Reall and Alex Semeneko. Both unranked recruits out of high school, Walz guided Reall to an individual Ivy League Conference title, 2026 NCAA Championship Round of 12 finish, and a tied program best 37-6 season record. In addition, he coached Semeneko to an Ivy League finals appearance, an NCAA Championship berth, and finishing the season in the top ten pinfall list across the NCAA twice.
Prior to his stint in Providence, Walz served on staff in Blacksburg for three seasons, helping guide Jared Haught to an NCAA finals appearance – just the second finalist in program history at the time. Walz was also instrumental in Zack Zavatsky’s development into a two-time All-American and three-time ACC champion for Tech during his time in Blacksburg.
As a Virginia Tech athlete, Walz became the only three-time heavyweight All-American for the Hokies and also claiming an individual ACC title. Walz was part of the only trophy team in program history – a fourth-place finish at the 2016 NCAA Championships – and was the first world medalist for Hokies Wrestling, capturing bronze at the 2018 U23 World Championships. Walz returns to Blacksburg with his wife Deej and their two daughters, Carter and Emma.