Courtney Baker, a former all-state player and Class A state tournament MVP, has been selected as the new volleyball coach at Flathead High School.
A four-person committee chose Baker among three candidates. The hire is pending approval by the school board.
Baker will replace Leon Wilcox, who stepped down in December after eight seasons. The Bravettes advanced to the Class AA state volleyball tournament every season under Wilcox and finished second in 2012. The team was 14-12 last season.
Baker graduated from Whitefish in 2007 and played on the state championship squads in 2004, 2005 and 2006. As a middle hitter and left back, she earned all-state her junior and senior years and was named the Class A MVP of the state tournament in 2006.
She competed in track at the University of Montana and spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach for the volleyball team in Whitefish.
“I’m really excited about the program that I’m walking into,” she said. “It’s a solid program.”
She emerged as Flathead’s top candidate after meeting with an interview committee featuring activities director Bryce Wilson, principal Peter Fusaro, head football coach Kyle Samson and head girls basketball coach Lisa Hendrickson.
“Courtney is passionate about kids and coaching volleyball; she has a strong desire to keep the Flathead Bravette Volleyball program meeting high standards,” Wilson stated. “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.”