Greenville, S.C. – Former Furman soccer great and current Nashville SC star Walker Zimmerman was named to the 2023 MLS Best XI, it was announced on Tuesday.
 
Zimmerman became just the sixth player in league history to be named to the MLS Best XI five or more times and has the most selections among all active players. A two-time MLS Defender of the Year and recent inductee into the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame, the center back anchored a Nashville defense that tied for fewest goals allowed en route to a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
 
The four-time MLS All-Star and United States International registered two goals and an assist in 24 matches this season. He started for the MLS All-Star squad in their July match versus English Premier side Arsenal and has also tallied three goals in 42 appearances for the United States since joining the national team in 2017.
 
Zimmerman became the third Paladin to appear in the FIFA World Cup for the United States last winter and earned three starts for his country, while helping the Americans advance to the knockout stage in Qatar. He captained the U.S. in its final qualifying match and helped the team compile a 6-2-2 record during World Cup qualifying, including a 0-0 draw at Mexico and a 5-1 victory over Panama. 
 
During his time at Furman, Zimmerman netted five goals and added two assists while starting all 22 games as a freshman in 2011. He earned freshman All-American honors from College Soccer News and Soccer America, while earning Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and first team all-league honors as the Paladins posted a 14-4-4 record and earned an NCAA berth. In 2012, he scored six goals and added three assists in 17 matches. The center back captured College Soccer News First Team and NSCAA Second Team All-America honors after leading the Paladins to a 12-4-3 record and captured first team All-SoCon accolades. He was tabbed as the No. 7 pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas.