Virginia Tech wrestling head coach Tony Robie has announced the return of one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history, as Ty Walz joins the Hokies' staff as an assistant coach for the 2026-27 season.

Walz returns to Blacksburg after spending the past three seasons at Brown University, where he played a key role in recruiting and developing several of the program's top performers. During his tenure, he helped guide Andrew Reall from an unranked high school recruit to an Ivy League champion, NCAA Round of 12 finisher, and owner of a program-tying 37-6 record in 2026. Walz also coached Alex Semeneko to an Ivy League finals appearance, an NCAA Championship qualification, and consecutive seasons among the NCAA leaders in pins.

Before his time at Brown, Walz spent three seasons on Virginia Tech's coaching staff. During that stretch, he helped develop Jared Haught into an NCAA finalist, just the second wrestler in program history to reach the national championship match at the time. He also played a significant role in the development of Zack Zavatsky, a two-time All-American and three-time ACC champion.

As a student-athlete, Walz established himself as one of the most decorated wrestlers in Virginia Tech history. He remains the program's only three-time heavyweight All-American and captured an ACC championship during his collegiate career. Walz was a member of Virginia Tech's 2016 NCAA Championship team, which finished fourth nationally -- the highest finish in program history. He also became the first Hokie wrestler to earn a world medal, winning bronze at the 2018 U23 World Championships.

One of the most credentialed heavyweights to ever compete for the Hokies, Walz returns to Blacksburg with his wife, Deej, and their two daughters, Carter and Emma.