For four years, Noelle Walker ’23 played as a key member of the back line for The University of Scranton women’s soccer team, regarded as having one of the best defenses in the country. In both 2021 and 2022, the Royals ranked in the top 10 nationally in both shutouts and fewest goals allowed enroute to consecutive NCAA Sweet 16 appearances.
Walker has since taken on a new defensive role helping patients in their battle against cancer. She joined the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City shortly after graduating from Scranton with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and has quickly grown to love working on the adult inpatient Bone Marrow Transplant floor.
“I am learning so much and love both the floor and the hospital, as well as the sweet patients,” said Walker.
In her role she administers chemotherapy treatments, peripheral stem cell transplants and central line dressing changes, and draws lab samples, among other responsibilities.
Walker always knew she wanted to become involved with oncology nursing based on her passion for the field and its impact on her family.
Both Walker’s mother, Joanne, and grandmother, “Nana,” have battled cancer, which made the drive to enter the specialty even stronger.
“I wanted to make an impact and make people feel the way that other nurses made my mom and Nana feel,” Walker said.
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Team player on the field and with her patients
Shortly after graduating from Scranton with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, Noelle Walker '23 joined the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Read Article(Scranton) Strength in Numbers
On the adult inpatient Bone Marrow Transplant floor, Walker connected with another Scranton women’s soccer alumna whose career path led her to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Walker’s teammate, Becca Russo ’20, also dedicates her talents to the care of cancer patients.
“It is incredible to have two former women’s soccer players working together at Sloan Kettering. It shows how the connections that are made at the University and through the women’s soccer program will last forever,” head women’s soccer coach and Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Colleen Pivirotto ’04 said.
During her time at Scranton, Walker earned Dean’s List honors in all eight semesters and was a three-time member of the Landmark Conference Academic Honor Roll. She said this helped her feel extremely prepared for her new role.
“The Scranton nursing program is phenomenal, and I felt so prepared thanks to all of the teachers and professors,” Walker said.
