finished with 183 wins, won 76.8 percent of games
MJ Baker’s Next Big Adventure: Moving from FL to KS
From the sunny courts of Eastern Florida to the wind‑blown plains of Kansas, coach MJ Baker is swapping the orange‑and‑black jerseys for the blue‑and‑gold of Emporia State. After eight unforgettable seasons with the Titans, she’s stepping into a brand‑new role as the head woman’s basketball coach at Emporia State University.
A Quick Look at Her Time with the Titans
- 183 wins out of 239 games – an impressive 76.8%
- Guided the team to the NJCAA Division I Women’s National Championship Tournament three times
- Built a program that felt like home to everyone involved
Why She Says It Was a Dream
“Serving as the head coach of the women’s basketball program at EFSC has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Baker tells us. “I’m deeply thankful to Athletic Director Jeff Carr and President Jim Richey for believing in me and for giving me the chance to grow within such a stellar athletic department.”
She’s Not Done Yet
With her newfound enthusiasm, Baker says, “I’m ready to bring the same energy, passion, and game‑plan into the Nebraskan locker rooms. Kansas may be the perfect place to keep the Titan spirit alive while tackling fresh challenges.”
What Emporia State Can Expect
- Play‑like, data‑driven coaching style
- A commitment to building team culture
- Increasing fan engagement and community outreach
Here’s to the next level of hoops excitement—see you at the court, Mayor Jane!
MJ Baker Scoops Up a New Job: From Florida to Kansas Courts
In a scoop that’d make any basketball fan swoon, MJ Baker has swapped sunshine for prairie wind as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team at Emporia State University in Kansas. Fresh off a historic win in 2023—when her EFSC squad snagged the FCSAA Region 8 Championship and crashed into the national Final Four—Baker is ready to lace up her boots for a fresh chapter.
Highlights While Leading the EFSC Charge
- Three conference titles under her belt.
- A mind‑blowing stretch of 47 straight conference victories over five seasons.
- Four consecutive years ranked in the national spotlight.
Why She’s Leaving, and What She’s Bringing
“Eastern Florida gave me memories, relationships, and life lessons that will stay with me forever,” Baker said, eyes gleaming with the weight of the decision. “From the players who gave everything on the court, to the staff who stood beside me every step, and the community that always showed up with pride and passion—this place feels like home.”
She added, “I’m honored and humbled to pick up this role in Emporia State. Gratitude to President Hush, Athletics Director David Spafford, and Senior Associate AD Steve Roadcap for giving me this shot. My family and I can’t wait for the next adventure. We’re excited to join the Emporia State community—bring on the basketball, bring on the prairie!”
What the Kansas Crowd Can Expect
Expect a blend of disciplined play, charismatic coaching, and a sprinkle of that Florida sunshine—because why should the grass always stay green in Kansas? Baker promises to bring her trademark “win‑first, vibe‑later” approach to the Cyclones, aiming to turn every game into an electrifying showdown.
MJ Baker: From Sunny Florida to the Heart of Kansas
MJ Baker is moving on—she’s taken the reins as the women’s basketball coach at Emporia State University, a Division II program in Kansas. It’s a big shift, but the former Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) head coach is thrilled for her next adventure.
Leaving a Legacy in the Sunshine State
Over seven seasons, Baker turned EFSC’s home court into a fortress: a staggering 63‑9 record and a 43‑game winning streak that made the team a real powerhouse. She also produced four All‑American players and several academic stand‑outs—proof that hard work can pay off on both the court and the books.
Honors That Shine Beyond the Scoreboard
- Named Fellowship of Christian Athletes Heart of a Coach Award recipient.
- Honored during the FCA meeting at the NCAA Division I Final Four.
- Received plenty of praise for her coaching style, leadership, and commitment to student‑athletes.
Mixed Feelings from EFSC
EFSC’s Associate Vice President of Athletics, Jeff Carr, summed it up: “We’re sad to see MJ go, but she’s headed to a great opportunity with her family. We wish her all the best and set a high bar for anyone who follows.”
What’s Next for Emporia State?
If you’re familiar with Emporia State, you know it’s a solid Division II program that earned 10 victories last season and has appeared in the NCAA Central Regional Tournament three times in the last seven years. With Baker at the helm, the Buckeyes hope to bring that same tenacity—maybe even a few dynasties—without the long‑hot streaks she left behind in Florida.
Final Thoughts
Coaches move; talent stays; and the game never stops. MJ Baker’s journey from EFSC’s sunny courts to the heartland is a reminder that, no matter where you call home, the love of the sport keeps people grounded—and keeps fans happy with hopeful stories for the future.
Just Dropped: The Latest Issue of Space Coast Daily News
Hot off the press! Today, on April 14, 2025, the Space Coast Daily News—Brevard County’s standout newspaper—has delivered a brand‑new edition packed with stories that are as thrilling as a launch day and as timely as your morning coffee.
Why You Should Grab This Issue
- Space Updates – From the newest rocket launches to cutting‑edge research at the Kennedy Space Center, get the science facts that keep the cosmos in your backyard.
- Local Spotlight – Meet the community heroes who are steering Brevard County toward a brighter future—both in the classroom and on the streets.
- Weekend Vibes – A curated list of must‑visit events, from farmers’ markets to the annual fishing derby, so you can make the most of the sunshine.
- Local Food Scene – Get the scoop on the freshest eats in town, featuring a quirky review of the new taco joint that’s already making waves.
Inside the Stories
1⃣ “Rocket Science for the Rest of Us” – Demystifying the latest lunar mission, this feature explains how the tech behind the launch will influence agriculture, medicine, and more.
2⃣ “Brevard’s Green Revolution” – Dive into the county’s ambitious sustainability plans and how local businesses are turning waste into wealth.
3⃣ “Laughter in the Library” – A light‑hearted take on the new community book club that’s fostering lifelong learning, one joke at a time.
Quick Take
“The Space Coast Daily News stays committed to delivering both the heavy science and the lighthearted local flavor,” says editor Sarah Martinez. “Our goal? To make you feel like you’re part of the story.”
Grab Your Copy
Head to your local newsstand or visit the online portal for a digital edition. The issue is also available in audio format for those who prefer to listen while commuting.
Ready to stay ahead of the curve? Your next hot article awaits inside this boundless, glossy page. Happy reading!
