You won't find many Mount Royal Cougars soccer players who are more decorated than forward JJ Walter. Two Canada West Championships, a Canada West bronze, a U-Sports national silver medal, and a 2025 Canada West All-Star selection have shaped the 5th-year veteran's resume into one that most college athletes could only dream of. 

For a kid who grew up in the same city as the team he now suits up for, his journey to becoming a Cougar took form on pitches across Calgary and eventually to a post-secondary scholarship.

"I grew up playing here. I started at Spring Bank, playing locally there, and then club-hopped around the city. Played with the Rangers, Villains, and then Foothills."

"When I was 15, my older brother and I actually moved to BC. We played with the Victoria Highlanders residency program, but it was PSI at the time. I was there for high school, and then I actually moved to Germany when I was 18, so I played on a U19 team there and then came back."

It wasn't until Walter arrived back in Canada that his future in the sport was determined. After being approached by MRU Cougars Head Coach Ryan Gyaki and, as Walter puts it, "messaged too much every day," Coach Gyaki's encouragement and persistence helped land Walter a spot on the Cougars back in 2022. The opportunity to play collegiate soccer alone was a blessing in Walter's eyes and something he is forever grateful for.

"It meant everything. I came here very humbly because Ryan took a chance on me. I was facing injuries, and he still gave me a call one day. 

He's like, "Hey, we need a midfielder."

From that moment, I think he was the first person to really believe in my game and give me confidence." 

That newfound confidence Walter adopted once he joined the program didn't take long to show itself on the pitch. With 3 goals in his rookie season and an All-Rookie Team selection, Walter's potential was visible from the jump. And for a season that already carried so many impressive accomplishments, the Cougars' bronze medal finish during the Canada West Playoffs only left Walter wanting more.

"Obviously, I wanted that gold," joked Walter.

We lost to U of C, which was horrible. Coming in, I knew the boys had won their first bronze medal the year before. I came in as a rookie my first year, and we got bronze again."

A year later, that gold that Walter so deeply coveted would arrive. On a field where he has started more games than anyone in Cougars history, Walter and Mount Royal would claim their first Canada West title in October of 2024. Two seasons after that fateful day at MRU's Stadium Field, Walter and company returned to their newly renovated home in style, capturing their second Canada West title in three years.  
 
"The first was a really special one for us, and for me personally, I still remember every moment in the game. And then last year too, we did it. I think a lot of people didn't really believe in us. But we just worked so hard last year, and we just wanted it so bad."

That hard work Walter speaks of has been ingrained in him since he was a kid. Growing up in a household filled with future collegiate athletes, JJ's mother, who immigrated to Calgary when she was young, instilled a strong work ethic in her children, something that JJ and his siblings have not taken for granted.

"She had a hard life. She had a few siblings and had to work here from a young age. She's always been my biggest supporter; she's always watching our games. I come from a hardworking and humble family. So I always try to play for them and give something back."

Not only has JJ given his mom lots to cheer about over the years, but so have his siblings. Eldest brother Joshua currently plays soccer at King's University, while his younger brother Josiah and sister Veronica have carved out their own U-Sports careers with the U of C Dinos and Trinity Western Spartans, respectively. 

"Oh, they're not as good as me," JJ said with a smirk. 

"My brother plays at U of C. He works really hard. He's a good player. I hope once I'm done playing here, he gets a few medals too. Even though he's at U of C, I still love him, and I hope he does well." 

"My younger sister Veronica is at Trinity Western, and she's had a few injuries, but she's coming back in a few weeks, so I'm hoping to see her play again because she's probably the best one out of us. She's very technical and good at scoring goals, and she's a joy to watch."

It's no secret that even despite his competitive nature, JJ will always be cheering for his siblings' success… as long as they aren't facing him. He has fond memories of the days spent going toe to toe with Josiah no matter the sport. These moments are what Walter feels laid the foundation for his rise through the soccer ranks. 

Now as his time as a Mount Royal Cougar comes to a close, JJ Walter reflects fondly on the privileged position he has found himself in. What began as him competing against his siblings as a child has blossomed into an impressive tenure with his hometown club.

"I've been here for five years, but I feel like I just got here. I wish I could keep playing for the badge and the school, but everything has to come to an end. This is family for me. This is my home now; I am extremely grateful and extremely humbled. I hope I can inspire the next batch of players to get a national gold. I'll be in the stands watching and cheering next year for sure."