The Talons have finalized their inaugural coaching staff with the addition of four assistant coaches: Kirk Walker, Jo Koons, Alex Ibarra, and Will Oldham. The group brings a dynamic mix of championship experience, player development expertise, and deep ties to collegiate and international softball. They join General Manager Lisa Fernandez and Head Coach Howard Dobson in launching the Talons’ debut season in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL).
Kirk Walker – Associate Head Coach
With over three decades of collegiate and international coaching experience, Kirk Walker will step into his newest challenge as the Talons’ associate head coach. A seven-time NCAA Champion and 19-time Women’s College World Series participant, Walker has cemented his legacy as one of the game’s most successful coaches.
Walker’s most notable work came during his 23 seasons at UCLA, where he helped deliver national titles in 1984, ’85, ’88, ’89, ’90, ’92, and ’19. In addition to his decorated UCLA tenure, he also transformed Oregon State into a national contender, winning Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors twice (1999, 2005) and guiding the Beavers to their first-ever WCWS appearance in 2006.
Beyond the field, Walker is a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, co-founding the Equality Coaching Alliance and earning recognition as one of the 100 most powerful LGBTQ+ figures in athletics by Outsports in 2024.
Jo Koons – Assistant Coach
Currently serving as the head coach at Abilene Christian, Jo Koons brings a strong résumé of player development and team success across multiple Division I programs. Prior to taking over at ACU, she held assistant coaching roles at Oregon, UT Arlington, Longwood, and Stanford, where she helped lead multiple teams to NCAA Regional appearances and top-tier defensive rankings.
Koons has mentored all-conference and all-region standouts and has been instrumental in building elite defensive units, including at Oregon, where she contributed to a nationally ranked defense. A former Division I shortstop at Utah State, Koons brings hands-on experience, making her a valuable addition to the Talons staff.
Alex Ibarra – Assistant Coach (First Week)
Alex Ibarra will join the Talons coaching staff for one week to open the 2025 season. This role extends Ibarra’s AU Softball resume, as he previously served as a facilitator and batting practice pitcher during the 2023 and 2024 AUX seasons. He offers experience from LSU, where he was part of four NCAA Regional appearances and two Super Regionals.
Internationally, Ibarra has represented Team USA as both a pitcher and a coach. He is a two-time gold medalist and threw for the U-23 and Junior Men’s National Teams. He was also a member of the coaching staff that helped the USA Women’s National Team qualify for the 2023 Pan American Games, and his unique athletic and coaching experience will make him a valuable asset to Talons batters and pitchers alike.
Will Oldham – Assistant Coach (Remainder of Season)
Will Oldham will fill Ibarra’s position for the remainder of the Talons’ season. Oldham played a key part in the Bruins’ return to the Women’s College World Series in 2024, helping UCLA to a 43-12 finish and Pac-12 regular season and tournament titles. Specializing in data analytics, scouting, and hitting development, he worked closely with All-Americans like Maya Brady and Sharlize Palacios.
Oldham’s background includes over a decade of coaching, from high school and travel ball to men’s fastpitch, where he previously played alongside Kirk Walker. His knowledge of advanced metrics and offensive planning will give the Talons a strategic edge on the diamond.
The Talons open the inaugural AUSL season in Rosemont, Illinois, on Saturday, June 7, with a three-game series against the Bandits. Tickets are on sale now.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
