Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce Brenda Baker as the new head coach for the Trailblazer Women’s Basketball program. Following a short stint as interim head coach during the 2017-18 season, Baker is ready to take the next step and continue to grow the program moving forward.
“Having the opportunity to observe Coach Baker and her family for the past two years, I can’t tell you how excited I am Brenda will be taking the reins in our women’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics David Bireline, “Her past experience as a student athlete and as an assistant coach has well prepared her for this next step in an already illustrious career. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship as Brenda will undoubtedly lead the program to new heights. Ohio Christian is blessed to have an individual of this quality lead our women’s basketball program.”
The 2017-18 season would mark Baker’s eighth season of coaching at the University as both an assistant coach and most recently as the interim head coach. In 2016-17, Baker would help lead the Lady Trailblazers to a 22-11 overall record at the NAIA DII level.
“Brenda has the perfect combination of experience, not only as a great student athlete in her day, but also as an assistant coach for several years,” said University President Jon Kulaga. “She knows the game, the River States Conference, and Ohio Christian University. She will be a great coach preparing the team to be successful on the court, but even more importantly, preparing them to be successful in life.”
Before joining the coaching staff, Baker played for Ohio Christian from the years of 2008-2010. Baker transferred to OCU after playing two years at Columbus State Community College. As a member of the Lady Trailblazers, Baker averaged 28 points per game while shooting 61% from the field.
Baker would conclude her career as a member of the 1,000-point club. In 2011, she would be inducted into the Trailblazer Hall of Fame. Following her time playing for OCU, Baker would take part in two “Athletes in Action” basketball tours in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
“Brenda’s faith permeates throughout her life and it is evident when speaking to her,” said Vice President of Student Development Joseph Wuest. “She has a passion for molding young women into their God-given potential. She desires to develop a culture where God is placed first and she has a plan to make that happen. The young women who are a part of that program will reap the benefits of a coach who has her priorities straight. I am excited to see where this program will be in the coming years.”
“I am excited and blessed to continue to be a part of a wonderful university and athletic department,” said new Head Coach Brenda Baker, “I have so much passion and excitement about the future of OCU women’s basketball and look forward to the journey.”
Brenda graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in business from Ohio Christian University. She also graduated from the Union Institute in Cincinnati with a second bachelor’s degree in leadership with an emphasis in Sports Management in 2011. She and her husband, Michael, reside just north of Circleville.
http://www.ocutrailblazers.com/article/1157.php
Tagged with: NAIA OCU
