Charlotte-Mecklenburg coach wins statewide award 

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS

Jennifer Baker (standing second from right), who coached North Mecklenburg High to the state 7A girls title, is the NCHSAA female coach of the year.

North Mecklenburg High’s Jennifer Baker is the NCHSAA’s female coach of the year. 

Baker, who led the Vikings to the state 7A girls’ basketball title in March – the school’s first first in 40 years – with a 29-2 record and unbeaten after Jan. 6. Baker, who has coached at North since 2008, said she was humbled when told she was selected but it is more of a team award.

“I am so grateful,” Baker said, “and just so humbled for that type of honor, definitely. I guess I always have tunnel vision, so I definitely didn't expect it, or even think that I was in the running. … There’s many great coaches out there but I just feel that I can’t do what I do without the players that actually believe in me and believe in our vision and our goal and what we're trying to accomplish. I appreciate them more. I am humbled by the award, but I don't get there without the players.” 

One of them is Lenise Joseph, the Vikings’ star forward. 

“Playing for coach Baker is a mix of a lot of things,” Joseph said. “She is like another mom who you know that she is somebody you can count on. She is a coach that pushes you, keeps you in check 24/7 no matter who you are. She is pretty easygoing as long as you communicate. The big thing with her is communication and just telling her what you need. She always has the players’ best interest in mind. … I have been playing for her now for four years. She is not the coach that will baby you or hold your hand. … Communication is key.”

Said Baker: “(Joseph) is just an all-around great kid. She is a great athlete and great player. She is just somebody who gets it, as in, ‘hey, I might not have came in this way my freshman year. My ceiling was here and what I put in, not only in the classroom but in training, I can get to where I want to be.’ She is a great learner who knows she doesn’t know everything but is always willing to continue to learn and grow no matter what.” 

North Meck was on the cusp of a championship for several seasons under Baker before fizzling in the playoffs. For Baker and Joseph, winning the title brought joy – and relief. 

“It was just a great feeling of accomplishment for all our players,” Baker said. “For all the ups and downs and all the players that came before who were left crying in the locker rooms. For all the work we put in and just the vision that we finally were able to get it done was gratifying and a really great moment. After the regional I remember standing there and my assistant coach who had passed away the previous year, I just was like, ‘Man, we finally did it, let’s go get the next one.’ We had to refocus, but when we won, I really wished coach [Geoffery Gillespie] could have been there. I know he was looking down on us.”

Said Joseph: “For most of us, it was a great relief off our backs. We have been playing together for so long and gone through so many things and were always saying, ‘When are we going to get past the third round?’ So, it was big and I think it also took some pressure off coach Baker. She is a very tough lady… and it took pressure off her and she finally got the one she deserves. It meant a lot to me as a player to help her get what she deserved. It was a happy moment and overall, a big relief to finally get it done.”

Baker said what separates her from the average coach is lifelong learning. 

“I am never going to come in and tell the kids I know everything, because I don’t,” she said. “I don’t pretend to know everything. I come in and work every day to grow and get better as a coach. As a coach if you are willing to get better, why would the kids want to? I know I am good at the things I do well, but I always strive to continue to grow, whether that be from the kids, my coaches or maybe something else.” 

The Vikings will now look to add another championship. Joseph, who is going into her senior year, is confident Baker can get North ready to repeat.

“We just have to make sure everybody is in the right mindset,” she said. “For me, I just want to win. I don’t want to end my senior season with a loss. We have a lot of new freshmen coming in but also a good group returning. So, getting the younger players caught up with the process and making sure everyone is in the same mindset will be key. I know coach Baker will have us right before the season starts and I am excited.” 

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