Veteran coach Sherrie Walker calling it a career

It's been said many times by athletes and coaches; when it's time to walk away, you'll know. And Sherrie Walker knows it's time.

After 26 years on the sidelines, the Bartlett volleyball coach announced she was stepping down. She'll will stay on as an AP Calculus and Pre-Calculus teacher and will be succeeded by Steffanie Grisham.

"It is hard work to maintain a strong program year after year," Walker said in an e-mail to The Commercial Appeal. "I am resigning so I can spend more time traveling and enjoying other hobbies as well as investigating other ways to contribute to the continues fight for women's rights."

By any measure, Walker is one of the state's all-time greats. She leaves with a career record of 780-354 and guided the Panthers to 16 district and 15 regional championships. Bartlett had never advanced past the district tournament prior to Walker's arrival in 1991.

And the program is in good hands for her successor. Bartlett returns seven regulars from last year's squad that qualified for the Class AAA state tournament, the 12th time the Panthers advanced to state. The program's best finish was a third place in 1999.

"I feel most proud of the dozens of young women, now grown, who continue to support our program," she said. "I feel like I have played a role in their development into strong independent mothers and professionals who make their communities a better place.

"Our program is in good hands."

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.