2012 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Named Third Team, All-Big Ten shortstop • started all 53 games at shortstop • hoisted a batting average of .380, which is top among all freshmen in Gopher history • led Minnesota in runs, hits, steals and on-base percentage • ranked Top 10 in the Big Ten in most offensive categories, such as runs (2nd), hits (2nd), batting average (4th), slugging percentage (5th), stolen bases (t-5th), on-base percentage (6th), home runs (t-7th) and walks (t-10th) • tied for fifth in school history with 46 runs scored • went 2-for-3 in the season opener versus Kent State (Feb. 11), which also was a day of firsts with her notching her first hit, run, RBI, home run and stolen base • tallied a lead-off homer against Weber State (Feb. 12) • recorded a double and home run in a 2-for-3 performance with four RBI against Iowa State (Feb. 17) • went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI against James Madison (Feb. 25) • notched a two-run homer versus Cleveland State (Mar. 2) • went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI against Ohio (Mar. 3) • tallied first-career triple in a 3-for-4 performance against Bethune-Cookman (Mar. 10) • belted a solo homer against Boise State (Mar. 15) • went 6-for-11 with a home run, double and three RBI in the Nebraska series (Mar. 31-Apr.1) • was a perfect 4-for-4 with a double and two stolen bases in the series finale against Northwestern (Apr. 15) • began what is as of now a nine-game hitting streak in the series opener against Penn State (Apr. 28) • went 4-for-9 with a home run and scored two runs in the Penn State series (Apr. 28-29) • was 5-for-10 from the plate in the Purdue series (May 5-6) with a triple and a home run • finished the season on a nine-game hitting streak, which will carry over to the 2013 season.
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from Valley Christian High School in San Jose, Calif. • named first team All-State selection in 2011• four-time all-conference and all-academic honoree • hit .495 with 35 runs, 24 RBIs, 55 hits and 19 stolen bases during senior season • named Mercury News Junior and Senior of the Year and tagged WCAL Player of the Year in 2011• high school coach was Alex Sanguinetti • traveled with the Mize Diamonds and coached by Brian Niskanen.
GET TO KNOW TYLER WALKER: Why the University of Minnesota? The campus spoke for itself and being under such a recognized coaching staff also played a major factor.
What is it like playing for Minnesota? It's truly an honor. Coach Allister once said that only 18 girls wear the University of Minnesota softball uniform, and I am glad to be one of them.
Pregame rituals/superstitions? I write Phillippians 4:13 on my left wrist.
First softball memory? I remember putting on my first softball jersey. It went all the way down to my knees, and it was bright red.
Favorite athlete of all-time? It would have to be my brother, Justin. He is by far the best wheelchair basketball and baseball player I have ever met.
If you had to choose a sport to play other than softball, what would it be? I would box. I have always wanted to try boxing, and I think it would be a lot of fun.
If you could choose one person (past or present) to eat lunch with, who would it be? Jackie Robinson. I would want to ask him so many questions, and it would just be an honor to say "I had lunch with Jackie Robinson".
Favorite TV show as a kid? Little Bear
Guilty pleasure song? "Sound of Music" by Julie Andrews
Bucket List Win the Women's College World Series Go to Africa, Europe and Australia Learn how to drive a stick shift
