Kim Kumfer Walz

A former standout at Penn State with a storied career, she is known for her exceptional passing, defensive instincts, and unwavering composure on the court. Kim is the Nittany Lions’ 3rd all time leader in digs and helped guide her team to an incredible 132-18 record — including an undefeated regular season in 1990. She had the opportunity to  be coached by and work with many of the sport’s most iconic figures: Tom & Chris Beerman (Snider High School & University of Pittsburgh), Dave Shondell (Purdue), Wes Lyon (Munciana), Barry Goldberg (American University, Mike Hebert (Minnesota),  and finally Russ Rose, Penn State’s legendary leader and the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history with a remarkable 1,330–229 record. 

Kim was a starter from day one, known for her exceptional passing, defensive instincts, and unwavering composure on the court. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Penn State and a master’s in Sports and Fitness Management from the University of San Francisco, Kim quickly made her mark in the coaching world. She was an impactful Division I assistant coach at the University of Minnesota, American University, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh, where she developed strong recruiting systems, improved team performance, and built lasting player relationships.

As Minnesota’s Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach, Kim was hands-on in all aspects of the program — from identifying top talent to designing training sessions and match strategy. Known for her leadership, attention to detail, and calm presence under pressure, she plays a vital role in shaping both the culture and competitive edge of the Gophers.

A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kim’s volleyball roots run deep. She starred at Snider High School, where she led her team to a state championship and was named one of the nation’s Top 50 prospects by Volleyball Monthly. Her club experience with Munciana helped her develop a complete game built on versatility, technical precision, and fierce competitiveness. 

She has a daughter, Kaeley Walz, who is currently a sophomore setter at Kennesaw State University and a son, Jacob Walz, who won 2 state championships on the Lucy Beckham Boys High School team and will be a freshman at the University of Louisville in the fall.

Kim Walz’s quiet leadership, intense work ethic, and meticulous nature have made her a respected figure both on and off the court. Her passion for the game shows up in everything she does. We are incredibly honored she has joined SC Elite and shares our vision for training the fundamental skills.