While the 2010-2011 school year is complete, the Baker University women’s basketball team is beginning to prepare for the 2011-2012 season with the hiring of head coach Ben Lister.

Lister was chosen from a field of 101 applicants to be Susan Decker’s replacement.

Decker stepped down as the head coach April 11, but will still continue her teaching position at Baker.

“He has been a part of some successful programs,” Athletic Director Theresa Yetmar said. “He has been a head coach and then an assistant coach at a quality (junior college) program, so he’s got a well-rounded background from a basketball standpoint.”

Lister comes to Baker from Barton County Community College, where he was an assistant coach for four seasons. The Cougars were 94-36 and won two Jayhawk West Conference Championships and a regional championship in the four seasons Lister was a member of the coaching staff.

Prior to be an assistant coach at BCCC, Lister was the head coach at Manhattan Christian College from 2005-2007. Lister led the Crusaders to a 44-23 record in two seasons, including two conference championships, a regional championship and a third-place finish in the NCCAA Division II National Tournament in the 2005-2006 season.

“He is going to make a positive impact on our women’s basketball program,” Athletic Director Theresa Yetmar said. “He’s got a lot of energy, and I think he is really excited to be our head coach. He’s a proven recruiter, so I know he’ll bring in quality talent, and I also know he is focused on academics and making sure we have student-athletes that will succeed in the classroom. I think all the way around it’s a great fit for our program and for Baker University.”