SHERILL BAKER | ASSISTANT COACH

Coach Baker made an immediate impact in her first season on staff. The 2023-24 team was carried by its strategically decisive post-play. Freshman forward Ashley Sofilkanich averaged 12.5 ppg (second on the team) and became the first Bison player to earn three spots on All-League Teams in a season. She notched slots on the All-Defensive, All-Rookie, and the Third Team. Sophomore forward Grace Sullivan took giant steps forward, averaging 8.8 ppg and 4.9 rpg. Sophomore forward/guard Emma Theodorsson also worked with Baker on her post moves and became Bucknell's leading scorer at 13.2 ppg.

"We are thrilled to have Sherill join us," said coach Woodruff. "She has a tremendous record and resumes as a player and a coach. She brings new energy to the program and a veteran perspective. I am just looking forward to getting her here and seeing the impact she can make on our program."

"I am completely overjoyed with excitement," said Baker. "For me, it's about fit. Coach Woodruff is a proven winner and an incredible mentor committed to getting the best out of his players. Another big highlight is the beautiful campus and how welcoming the people are here at Bucknell."

Baker's lengthy resume includes a decorated playing and coaching career. Most recently, she coached at George Washington University during the 2022-23 season, where she coached the A-10 Sixth Player of the Year, Nya Robertson. The Colonials made the A-10 Tournament as the seventh seed, where the Bluff and Blue vanquished 10^th seed Duquesne before losing in the next round to the second-seeded Rhode Island Rams. George Washington finished the season with an 18-13 record, including an 11-3 mark at home.

Before George Washington, Baker was an assistant coach at Georgia State for three seasons from 2019-2022. During her stint as a Panthers coach, she developed two Sun Belt First Team selections and one Sun Belt Third Team member.

Her assistant coach tenure at Kennesaw State University from 2016-19 witnessed Owl players dominate the league lists as 14 awards were earned. Most notably, three ASUN Freshman of the Year honors were bestowed upon Baker's charges in Carlotta Gianolla, Kamiyah Street, and Amani Johnson. 

Baker started her coaching career at Auburn, serving two seasons as their Video Coordinator/Director of Basketball Services and one year as an assistant coach from 2012-15. While a member of the Tigers coaching staff, two players were All-SEC Selections, and one was named to the All-Freshman team. The 2012-13 team made the Elite Eight in the NIT.

Baker attended the University of Georgia, where she played basketball and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication. The Bulldogs were a national force during her four years playing in four NCAA Tournaments, including three Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Elite Eight advancement. She started 122 out of 131 games and scored 1,665 career points (12.7 ppg). Dubbed the "Queen of Steals," she still holds the single-season and career mark for steals in Georgia history and led the NCAA in steals per game (4.7) in 2005-2006. Baker enjoyed a banner year in 2006 when she was named All-American, All-SEC First Team, and National Defensive Player of the Year. In 2014, she was named an SEC Legend.

Following her accomplished collegiate career, Baker embarked on a distinguished professional career playing for numerous WNBA teams after being drafted 12^th overall. Baker played for the following WNBA teams (in order of appearance): New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, Indiana Fever, and Detroit Shock.

Her career also extended to playing abroad. While overseas, Baker played in the exotic locales of Rome, Italy, Ashdod, Israel, Aix en Provence, France, Holon, Israel, Limassol, Cyprus, Frankfurt, Germany, and Tel Aviv, Israel. She was part of a final-four Euro Cup team and an Israeli League Champion Club squad.

Her playing career, as expected, has greatly influenced her coaching philosophy.

"My background allows me to nurture relationships and detail the disciplined aspect of the game. I wish to incorporate the Elite status on all three levels at Bucknell. I've been very fortunate and blessed to play on an Elite level, and I must transfer my knowledge and skill development to my Bucknell Family."

As a nationwide recruiter and player development specialist in her previous stops, Baker will focus on that role when she starts coaching in Sojka Pavilion.

"I am looking forward to immediately contributing my experience with recruiting and continuing to focus on a work ethic that develops our players."

Overall, she is excited to join the Orange and Blue and continue to nurture the Bison program.

"I want to thank Coach Woodruff for the opportunity to work alongside him and the staff in continuing the legacy of this successful program in the Patriot League."