Getting to Know the Captain
Senior Xander Walker played football at Legacy as an inside linebacker and tight end. His teammates selected him as one of four captains for both the 2023 and the 2024 seasons. Walker was not only a leader on the field but in the classroom as well. He's ranked 19th in his class and is a member of NHS, Key Club, Student Council and Academic Decathlon. Xander is committed to Army to play defensive line at West Point and will be studying aerospace engineering.
Last First Game
Aug. 29 was Xander's last first game of his senior season but for him, it was especially special. This was the last season he could play with his father Coach Mark Walker, the linebacker coach. "My dad being a coach allows me to continuously learn more and more about the game that I love on and off the field," Xander said. "From breaking down film to weights, to practice, he has been there all four years for me. Even though him being a coach means you have to take a few rippings I can truly say that it brought us closer. Especially this senior year I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything."
Change of Pace
Xander's sophomore year Legacy went 1-9 and his junior year the football team went 2-8. Xander wanted to change the losing pattern for his senior year. In January 2024 the work began. Several upcoming seniors started the work that would lead to the success they would have on the field in the 2024 season. Rezoning changes also sparked new energy into the team. "I remember when we would weed people out during the offseason seeing who really wants to be apart of this team," Xander said. "Then we started the offseason with 3:45 a.m. wake up calls where everyone was checking on each other holding them accountable. The most memorable thing about this year is how tightly knit this team was." The team finished 3-8 this year.
Captain America
"It really started I'd say summer before his junior, year my senior year," former team captain Jonah Pedroza said about Xander's nickname, Captain America. "Luke and I have been labeled Spiderman/Robin and Batman since like middle school, then Xander comes along and we kind of just decide he fits the Captain America role very well. I wish I had a picture of it but that summer all our Fortnite lobbies were Batman, Captain America, and Spiderman skins. From there, not only was Captain America Xander's favorite superhero, but he really does embody a lot of what Captain America represents. He's always one of the hardest workers in any given room and is driven by the overall good of his said group or team. He's loyal and will stand for what is right when leading. Committing to West Point was honestly just fitting, like the cherry on top and it wasn't until this past year that the nickname really caught on. As soon as the Army commitment was made, he fully fell into the name Captain America and I can't think of anyone more fitting."
All In
"I definetly feel the calling to serve my country. When I was able to become a captain and go play football at a higher level and serve my country, carrying that American flag gave a little more pride and patriotism to the game." —Xander Walker
A Royal Honor
Xander represented the senior class at Homecoming. His walking partner, Jade Vu, won Homecoming Queen. His classmates voted him on the homecoming all four years of high school. "Being on the homecoming court just really rounded it all off," Xander said. "It showed the love and support not only from my close friends but the reach of love and support from everyone from around school especially making it repeatedly was a big accomplishment. I was so honored to have and thank everyone for the love they have showed me."
A Family Affair
After the homecoming game Oct. 4, Xander's family came onto the field to take a picture with him. His dad Coach Mark Walker, Jami Walker, sister Hannah Thornton (Air Force 2nd Lt.), her husband Logan Thornton (Air Force 2nd Lt.), and his sister Abbigayle Marion. "Hannah opened the door," Xander said about joining the military. "I have always thought of the military as a solid route. Her opening the door to this whole new opportunity shows that the military doesn’t mean getting sent to the front lines to be shot, instead, it is joining a group of people who are working together and have each other's backs no matter what. The military is a true family that works toward making this country better every single day. It is something that I want to be a part of."
2024 Stats
-First Team All District, Linebaker
-128 Tackles (77 solo) 1 INT, 2 sacks 3 forced fumbles
- Defensive MVP
Father Son Duo:
"I have really enjoyed coaching Xander the past four years. I feel like we did a good job of keeping football at school so when we were at home we could be just dad and son. I will always cherish the memories and time with him, that can never be forgotten. It is very humbling and thrilling to watch another Walker carry on the football legacy. My wife and I are very proud of Xander academically and athletically. His hard work and dedication is paying off." -Coach Mark Walker
"West Point was honestly the thing that tied all of my core values into one, the brotherhood, leadership, and honor it will truly be the thing that will push me to be the best on and off the field an opportunity of a lifetime that sets me up for life after college." -xander walker
All on the Field
"Knowing that this is the last high school football season really allows me to see all that we’ve accomplished these past 4 years I am sad that I know longer get to play with this group of men but I can say that we left it all out there to turn this program around and we accomplished our goal." -Xander Walker
Playoff Bound
After beating Lake Ridge, 38-14, on Nov. 1, Xander signs his name to record win which allowed the team to clinch playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Big Sister Love
"I love being at the same school as Xander," AP World History teacher Ms. Abbigayle Marion said. "Getting a front-row seat to his growth over his time at Legacy is something I’ll always treasure! My favorite memory was his touchdown reception this year. We (my Mom and I) were screaming our heads off. It will be very strange once Xander graduates. My entire teaching career so far has included siblings being at my school. (My sister Emma was class of '23). But, I think it will encourage me to make the trip to New York to see him play. GO ARMY!"
Xander Signs to Army
On Dec. 6, Xander signed his letter of intent to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Xander will play on the defensive line and plans to study areospace engineering. "West Point was honestly the thing that tied all of my core values into one, the brotherhood, leadership, and honor," Xander said about choosing to go to school at Army. "It will truly be the thing that will push me to be the best on and off the field. It's an opportunity of a lifetime that sets me up for life after college."
Leaving Legacy
Xander had is official visit to West Point, NY on Jan. 24. "The best part of the visit had to be the food. They served the best meals every two and half hours," Xander said. "The second best thing had to be learning all the history behind West Point — it being the first military base and the one George Washington established. Everywhere you walked there was something else to learn and everything was built with such precision and detail. It was truly a beautiful sight. On the football side getting to watch them work out and everyone pushing to make each other better while also bringing the energy on every single rep was something that I wanted to be apart of."