Baker Looks to have a Bright Future Ahead at WSU
10/29/2018 8:16:00 AM | Women's Basketball
by Alan Hieber
WSU freshman guard Angel Baker will be following in the footsteps of some recent greats to play the position for the program. It appears it might not be too long until she is also shaking off defenders on a regular basis.
When Baker was playing in high school at Pike she says that her mother and several of her high school coaches were a positive influence on her getting prepared to play the collegiate game. She is also motivated on the court by her grandfather and brother who passed away recently.
"My mom was always by my side no matter what. She never gave up on me," Baker said. "Coach Barlow, coach Mays and coach Anglea never gave up on me after I went through some rough times. They just kept believing in me and gave me motivation to keep going."
Growing up Baker says she often wasn't included in pickup games, but that being able to play against her three older brothers contributed to her improving. She then chuckled, stating that she could beat her brothers now.
"It was very helpful actually," Baker said. "When you're playing against a six foot dude that is very athletic, that prepares you."
When it came to choosing a school to attend, what gave Baker a good feeling about WSU is how comfortable she was around Raiders head coach Katrina Merriweather and how she felt that she could trust her.
"I felt welcome and I could tell the people here meant what they said," Baker said. "Trina was very genuine in what she said when she was talking to me about basketball and how I could fit into this program well. She is always calm."
With it being her debut campaign, Baker has been adapting to the faster pace of the college game, running a new offense at guard and the larger spotlight at this level. Senior WSU guards Emily Vogelpohl and Mackenzie Taylor have been quality mentors with their wealth of experience, she added.
Baker got her first action opposing another team against Ball State in a scrimmage just over a week ago.
"I was a little nervous, but I think once I get into the game, and I get a feel for it. It will get better and my nerves will start dropping," she said.
In an exhibition matchup against NAIA school Marion at the Nutter Center Saturday, Baker didn't seem too nervous after scoring 12 points in 24 minutes.
Prior to games, Baker has a routine of listening to music to get in the right mindset. She could be responsible for supplying the WSU offense its rhythm one day, it seems.
WSU freshman guard Angel Baker will be following in the footsteps of some recent greats to play the position for the program. It appears it might not be too long until she is also shaking off defenders on a regular basis.
When Baker was playing in high school at Pike she says that her mother and several of her high school coaches were a positive influence on her getting prepared to play the collegiate game. She is also motivated on the court by her grandfather and brother who passed away recently.
"My mom was always by my side no matter what. She never gave up on me," Baker said. "Coach Barlow, coach Mays and coach Anglea never gave up on me after I went through some rough times. They just kept believing in me and gave me motivation to keep going."
Growing up Baker says she often wasn't included in pickup games, but that being able to play against her three older brothers contributed to her improving. She then chuckled, stating that she could beat her brothers now.
"It was very helpful actually," Baker said. "When you're playing against a six foot dude that is very athletic, that prepares you."
When it came to choosing a school to attend, what gave Baker a good feeling about WSU is how comfortable she was around Raiders head coach Katrina Merriweather and how she felt that she could trust her.
"I felt welcome and I could tell the people here meant what they said," Baker said. "Trina was very genuine in what she said when she was talking to me about basketball and how I could fit into this program well. She is always calm."
With it being her debut campaign, Baker has been adapting to the faster pace of the college game, running a new offense at guard and the larger spotlight at this level. Senior WSU guards Emily Vogelpohl and Mackenzie Taylor have been quality mentors with their wealth of experience, she added.
Baker got her first action opposing another team against Ball State in a scrimmage just over a week ago.
"I was a little nervous, but I think once I get into the game, and I get a feel for it. It will get better and my nerves will start dropping," she said.
In an exhibition matchup against NAIA school Marion at the Nutter Center Saturday, Baker didn't seem too nervous after scoring 12 points in 24 minutes.
Prior to games, Baker has a routine of listening to music to get in the right mindset. She could be responsible for supplying the WSU offense its rhythm one day, it seems.
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