Samuel Walker III, known to many families as “Coach Sam,” is the Executive Director of College Game Plan Network (CGPN) and a strategic, equity-driven advisor with 20+ years of experience guiding students and families through the full college planning lifecycle—from academic readiness and admissions strategy to financial aid optimization and the transition to college.

Coach Sam approaches the admissions process with a unique personal perspective. As a highly recruited high school student-athlete raised by his grandmother, Willie Mae Walker, in South Carolina, he learned early that the right college decision requires more than interest from schools—it requires research, academic alignment, and a clear plan tied to long-term career outcomes. That mindset now shapes how he supports students: with calm, direct guidance that replaces uncertainty with clarity.

Professionally, Coach Sam has led and improved college-going systems at multiple levels. He has designed best-fit advising frameworks that connect academics, finances, and career goals; trained advising teams; and built data-informed tracking systems to keep students on pace. He has also provided expert support around FAFSA, CSS Profile planning, and financial aid award strategy—helping families make smart, informed financial decisions. In student-athlete advising, he has helped families navigate NCAA eligibility, build recruiting portfolios, and communicate effectively with coaches while staying grounded in academic and admissions realities.

Coach Sam’s work spans individual counseling, program leadership, and large-scale training. He has served in school and nonprofit settings supporting thousands of students, including leading expansions of college access programming, delivering workshops on admissions and financial aid, and presenting nationally on advising student-athletes and supporting low-income families through the aid process.

He also brings a deeply personal lens as a father of five college graduates—Michael (Morgan State University), Portia (UMBC), Courtney (Coppin State University), Kendall (Morehouse College), and Kamryn (Xavier University of Louisiana). Those experiences keep his work practical, family-centered, and focused on outcomes that truly fit each student.

Today, Coach Sam helps CGPN families move forward with confidence—building realistic college lists, strong applications, and clear affordability strategies—so students can choose colleges where they can thrive academically, athletically, and professionally.