On April 10th, Baker named former Baker assistant and alma mater Andy Kelley the new head coach for the women’s basketball team. Kelley, being very familiar with the Wildcats, is ecstatic to be back in Baldwin City.
“This has been my dream job since I started in this industry back in 2014, so coming back to take over this program is such an incredibly surreal feeling for me. I have so much love for this program, and I am very blessed to be in this position,” said Kelley.
Kelley being welcomed back is a big gain for Baker University. The women’s program has not finished above .500 since the 2017-2018 season, when they went 17-14. With so much success at the University of St. Mary, Baker looks to have Kelley bring that success with him.
“More than anything, I want to bring back pride in this program. My view of this place is so incredibly elevated, and I am very motivated to get us back to the top of the Heart (Heart of America Conference),” said Kelley.
Kelley’s background speaks for itself. Leading a once-unsuccessful University of Saint Mary’s program to their first Kansas Athletic Collegiate Association tournament championship in school history, and led them to three NAIA National Tournament appearances, which are the only trips in history. Prior to his coaching stint at University of St. Mary, Kelley was a 2014 graduate from Baker University and was an assistant coach at Baker for four seasons.
With the women’s program recently being down, Kelley wants to bring in the success he’s had the past three seasons.
“I remember what this university was like when everyone took so much pride in Baker Women’s Basketball, and I will do everything in my power to bring us back to that level,” said Kelley.
After being named the Head Coach, Kelley had many emotions leaving his former school, but there is nothing like returning to your alma mater.
When asked about the future of the program, Coach Kelley is looking at this upcoming year and that only.
“I’m worried about our first game in October right now, so I don’t have many thoughts about what it looks like 5-10 years from now,” said Kelley
With a 4-23 record this year for the Wildcats, there isn’t a worry about the future, there is a worry about this year. The atmosphere is a shift Coach Kelley wants to elevate at Baker.
“My goal is to get us back to hosting premier games in Collins Gym, giving us a chance to compete for conference championships in front of the best fans in the Heart.
With such a young roster last year, we will see what Coach Kelley decided to do with the roster. Overall, Baker got the right coach who is very driven, motivated, and super excited to be home.
“We’ve got a lot of work in front of us, but I’ve never been more motivated in my career. I cannot wait for the challenge that lies ahead of us!”
