North Delta Dealers Coaches

John Walker
2011 Head Coach, North Delta Dealers

John Walker just completed his second season as a graduate assistant coach on Mike Kinnison’s staff at Delta State University.

Walker, a 2002 graduate of Delta State with a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation, began his coaching career in 2003 at Water Valley High School as the assistant varsity baseball coach. During the 2004 season, he served as the interim head coach while leading Water Valley to the Regional Championship game. As an assistant during the 2005-2007 seasons, Walker helped guide the Blue Devils to three consecutive Region Championships. In 2006, Water Valley finished the season with a 3A State Championship Game berth. In 2009, Coach Walker was named as the head coach of the New Albany Bulldogs, leading them to third round of the MHSAA playoffs in 2011.

Walker is pursuing a master’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Joel Gafford
Assistant Coach, North Delta Dealers

Joel Gafford, a 2003 graduate of New Albany High School, was a four-year prep letterman in baseball. After high school, Gafford played two years at Northeast Mississippi Community College where he was named All-State and All-Region his sophomore season. Gafford continued his playing career at SWAC powerhouse Mississippi Valley State where he performed as an outfielder and pitcher.

Coach Gafford earned his bachelors degree in history from Mississippi Valley. Thereafter he returned to his native New Albany High School for his first coaching stint, where he served as the assistant to the North Delta Dealer’s John Walker. 2010 was his second season coaching in the Cotton States, working with his former high school coach, Curt Fowler. In 2011, Joel led the Ripley Tigers to the playoffs, losing in the North Half Championship round during his first year as their new Head Coach. Coach Gafford and his wife Lauren live in New Albany and have a daughter, Madilyn Olivia.