ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Peyton Walsh has joined the Navy wrestling coaching staff as an assistant coach, head coach Cary Kolat announced today.
 
"We are excited to welcome Peyton to the wrestling coaching staff," Kolat said. "Peyton's resume is a great bridge for recruiting. He competed for the Naval Academy, was a team captain and was an Olympic alternate while serving in the Marine Corps. He lived the life that our recruits are stepping into and aligns with what we represent as a program and as an Academy."
 
"Having the opportunity to come back and serve as an assistant coach for the Naval Academy is a dream come true," Walsh said. "This program and Academy have done so much for me, and it is an incredible blessing to be back here. The deep history and traditions of Navy wrestling extend beyond generations of incredible men of character on and off the mat. I'm excited to work closely with coach Kolat and the staff to continue to build upon the traditions and legacy of Navy wrestling."
 
For the past two seasons, Walsh coached the Navy wrestling club, focusing on high school and postgraduate athletic development.
 
A four-year member of the Navy wrestling team from 2011 to 2015, Walsh is one of the most decorated wrestlers in the program's history. He was the 2015 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) champion at 165 pounds and a three-time NCAA national qualifier. Voted team captain his senior season, Walsh became one of six wrestlers in Navy history to record a 40-win season, finishing with a 40-10 record. He ranks 11th on Navy's all-time wins list with 108 career victories.
 
The Glen Allen, Va., native graduated as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He was selected as a supply officer and later served as the battalion supply officer at the 1st Maintenance Battalion from 2016 to 2017.
 
Walsh was also selected to serve with the All-Marine Wrestling Team. During his tenure, he was a three-time national team member, 2018 U.S. Open runner-up, 2020 Olympic Trials runner-up, 2020 Olympic alternate and the 2021 Senior Pan-American champion.