Carleton Knights

Abby Walton is entering her fourth season at the helm of the Carleton College volleyball program in 2025.

In her third season in Northfield, Walton led the Knights to the most program wins (13) since the 2016-17 season. In a season that saw much improvement from a year ago, the Knights finished the season 13-13 overall and 4-7 in conference play. Walton is responsible for a heightened energy around the program since her arrival in 2022. Walton had a program-changing win in front of a raucous crowd at West Gym in the 2023 season. The Knights came from behind in the fifth set to win a thriller over cross-town rival St. Olaf College. This win forever edged Walton and the Knights history by bringing "The Bell" (the traveling trophy between the two programs) back to the east side of the river for the first time since 2017, ending a six-year winless streak against the cross-town rival. Prior to Carleton, Walton had seven years of experience in the Big Ten conference, three seasons as a graduate assistant coach (2017-2020), and four years of playing experience at Michigan State University (2014-17). 

Walton coached for three years as an graduate assistant coach at Michigan State under head coach Cathy George. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Walton also served as the social media coordinator and assisted with recruiting. 

Prior to her time on staff at MSU, she played for the Spartans, and was a four-year letter winner as a libero/defensive specialist. She appeared in 117 matches for the Spartans during her collegiate career. Walton finished her career with 971 career digs (2.70 per set) and 45 service aces. She was the recipient of the MSU Extra Mile Award as a rookie and earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2017 as a senior. In her career, MSU finished with an overall record of 84-48 and helped MSU to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 2017 Elite Eight, the second-best finish in program history. While living in Michigan, Walton spent time coaching for both the FaR Out Volleyball Club and the Capital Volleyball Club in addition to diversifying her experience by working with the Michigan State Men's Club Volleyball team. 

Upon returning to her home state, Walton coached for Northern Lights Volleyball Club in Burnsville, Minn., the same club program that she played for while growing up. Walton was a prep volleyball All-American Honorable Mention and an All-State selection in 2013 as a senior at Lakeville North High School, where she was a two-time Minnesota state champion (2010 and 2012) and runner-up in 2011. 

She holds two degrees from Michigan State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Advertising Management in 2018 and a master's degree in Education in Sport Coaching and Leadership 2020. 

Abby and her husband, Matt, live in Lakeville with their son, Brooks and dog, Bentley.