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Furman’s Zimmerman earns spot on United States World Cup squad
Zimmerman is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year. Photo: Nashville SC
Spartanburg TV station WSPA News 7 picked up news from Furman University about Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman ’15 who has notched a place on the United States World Cup team. Zimmerman, a Nashville SC center-back who played for the Paladins 2011-2012, is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year (2020, 2021). He helped the U.S. qualify for the World Cup finals earlier this year and will be the third player in the university’s history to compete, joining Furman Athletics Hall of Famers Ricardo Clark (2010) and Clint Dempsey (2006, 2010, 2014). The FIFA World Cup takes place in Qatar Nov. 21-Dec. 17. The United States will play in Group B along with England, Iran and Wales.
“We are so happy for Walker,” said Paladin Head Coach Doug Allison. “He has dreamed of this moment, and he told me when I recruited him as a 15-year-old that he was going to work to be in this position one day. He has certainly earned his spot, and to represent your country at the World Cup is the highest honor in football.”
In spring 2022, Zimmerman and his wife, Sally Tucker Zimmerman ’15, an education alumna who holds a bachelor’s and master’s from Furman, established a scholarship for Men’s Soccer.