Flathead to name new volleyball coach
Courtney Baker is set to be at the helm of the Flathead Bravettes volleyball program for the 2015-16 season after the FHS hiring committee recommended her to the school board on Monday.
The committee, consisting of Braves head football coach Kyle Samson, Bravettes head basketball coach Lisa Hendrickson, Flathead principal Peter Fusaro and activities director Bryce Wilson, chose Baker over two other candidates, ending the month-long interviewing process.
“Courtney is passionate about kids and coaching volleyball; she has a strong desire to keep the Flathead Bravette volleyball program meeting high standards,” Wilson said in a press release. “She articulated her vision for the program during the interview. Her positive energy and desire to lead our program was a key factor. She wants to develop confident young ladies through being competitive student-athletes on the volleyball court.”
Baker comes to the Bravette program having served as an assistant under Sarah Scott for the Whitefish Bulldogs. She was also the junior varsity head coach.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the girls, getting to know each of them as an athlete and as a human being,” Baker said. “I’m excited to see them grow. They haven’t had a girl coach in a long time so it will be fun for both of us to learn from each other.”
Baker takes over a Flathead program coming off of its 12th consecutive state tournament appearance. Graduating just one senior from last year’s squad, Flathead will welcome back second team all-state performers and outside hitters Marissa Postivit and Lizzie Sherwood as well as second-team all-state defensive specialist Jourdan Schultz. Honorable mention all-state selection Abbie O’Brien returns at libero.
“Flathead has all the tools to be successful. It’s an awesome program,” Baker added. “Talking with Bryce and the administrators, they are there for you, and they’re right on board. They want to win those state championships and will do whatever it takes to get there.
“Every coach I talked to as I was looking into this position said there’s a ton of potential. They have all the ingredients. We just have to find a way to make it taste good.”
Baker, a 2007 graduate of Whitefish High School, was a part of three state championship teams during her prep career.
As a senior, Baker was named Class A state volleyball tournament MVP, leading the Bulldogs to their third straight state championship with 21 kills in the title match against Dillon in 2006.
She played under current Whitefish volleyball head coach Jackie Fuller. Baker noted the valuable experience playing for a coach with a 427-133 career record and five state titles.
“(Fuller) is a competitive woman. Everybody knows her as a competitor even though she has a big heart,” Baker said. “It really pushed me to bring intensity and competitiveness to the court. Our goal was to win the state championship every year. That requires a lot of hard work and preparation. She prepared us well to win and that taught me to bring that intensity and competitive drive.”
Baker takes over for Leon Wilcox, who led the Bravettes to the state tournament in each of his eight years as head coach. He was 122-93 at Flathead and 59-37 in the Western AA conference.
Baker studied education at the University of Montana where she ran the 400-meter hurdles for the Grizzles track team.