by Maxwell Lowe
Sports editor
The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
Hilliard Bradley is full of amazing teachers and coaches; biology and forensic science teacher Mrs.Baker is just one of them. On top of being a teacher Baker is also the girl and boys tennis coach and advisor for the Bradley ski club.
Growing up playing tennis in Hilliard, she is very familiar with the sport and the area. Being positively impacted by the coaches in her life, she knew she wanted to become a coach. She also fell in love with biology and wanted to become a teacher. While coaching can be difficult, especially in a male dominant role as a coach of male athletes. Mrs. Baker states, “In terms of the female being the head and then having male athletes below you, sometimes you [have to] prove your worth to them and show them, I do know what I’m talking about.” She continues by saying, “Once you establish that respect" … "then all the sudden they’re like, game in.” While earning that respect can be hard, she shows the importance of growing those relationships and showing that she cares and wants the best for her athletes.
Many male tennis players speak highly of her and her kindness. Noah Huot(10) says, “[She] is a great coach. She gives me all the advice when I’m playing”. He continued saying, “She is very nice to me. [Overall] she is a great coach, great person and great person to be around.” Noah is a great example of the impact Mrs. Baker has had on her male athletes.
Mrs. Baker's female varsity tennis team loves her just as much. Megan Biddle(10) says, “[Mrs. Baker] really knows what she’s talking about. She's really caring with all of her players and is always there for me emotionally.” Biddle also says, “I think [Mrs. Baker] is the reason I am where I am today.” Just another testament to the amazing person and coach Mrs. Baker is.
Not hard to imagine, but her colleagues also love her. Speaking on the incredible work she does. Mrs. Goodwin, a biology teacher, talks of all the work she does, saying, “[Mrs. Baker] is amazing, she can’t say no, she has too many jobs, she works really hard … [She dose] tennis coaching, tutoring, teaching, tennis lessons, and advises [multiple] clubs” Another biology teacher, Mrs. Arnold adds, “[Mrs. Baker] always wants to work hard, improve things, and get things done” both finally saying “she does so many things”. Both teacher are able to see the hard and incredible work Mrs. Baker does, each and every day.
Throughout the month of March many have been able to reflect on the incredible women in their lives. Bradley is so lucky to have so many amazing females within the school like Mrs. Baker.