NAIA College Preview Series: #8 Baker University

Baker’s Morgan Mayginnes was a national finalist last year. Photo courtesy of Baker University Athletics

by Jeremy Eusterwiemann
Twitter: @wiems19

Baker University is ranked 8th in the NAIA Coaches poll. This young program looks to continue to build a solid foundation that will propel the Wildcats for years to come. The Kansas-based program brings back 11 wrestlers that represented them last year at NAIA Nationals. This is a team that believes in themselves and a group of freshmen that plan on leaving their own mark on the program...it should lead to a very exciting year. This is a team that “won’t limit themselves” through their expectations.

Here is an interview with Wildcats Head Coach Cody Garcia.

1. What are your reflections on last season?
Even with all of the challenges that came with last year, I was really pleased to see us respond in a positive way in laying down the foundation of Baker Women’s Wrestling. This young group created a culture that is exciting to build on. Although we had a handful competing in 2020, this past year was essentially our first year as a team which led to many “firsts” in program history.

2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
This returning class will bring back 11 of our wrestlers that represented us at the national tournament including the four All-Americans. Morgan Mayginnes and Elisa Robinson led the way as the two freshmen became our first national finalists. Along with the two runner-up finishes, Jennifer Curry earned her second AA honors and Nichole Moore finished on the podium to finish off an amazing freshman year campaign.

3. Talk about your incoming freshmen class.
Even with the talent that we return, I believe there will be a few newcomers that have an ability to make an impact right away. Kaylynn Albrecht and Kylie Robledo have both been recognized in the preseason rankings and look to help this group close the gap on the top 5 teams. There are a couple others that will battle to become one of our 12 conference reps and push this room to new heights.

4. How do you feel about your preseason?
We have so many great resources here when it comes to helping each athlete close the gap on their potential. Our staff, including our AT, did an awesome job at putting each individual in position to be where they needed to be in order to make the most of this season.

5. Talk about some of your team's goals this season. Are there any specific events you're excited about?
This is a team that we won’t limit through our expectations. We have the ability to contend for a trophy and create a lot of great memories in chasing down those individual goals. Obviously, we are really excited to showcase this lineup in duals but MVC Open and National Duals are two events that we are especially excited about.

6. What are some things you've built into your program that you credit for the success you've had so far?
We have been blessed with some great recruits on and off the mat; a core group to build around and [build a solid] culture. Those individuals are passionate about the sport and want to make a difference on this team!

7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
I believe anyone has the ability to inspire with their effort and attitude. We have a good mix of that on this roster. We have those that can be that light with their positivity, humor, work ethic, etc. When everyone finds that role in making an impact, it makes a huge difference!