If you don’t know who Tasha Baker ’13 is, just look for the volleyball player jumping the highest and screaming the loudest out on the court after every winning point.  The senior captain’s pride and enthusiasm for the game is always evident.

Baker began playing volleyball back in junior high and is now in her 11^th season, 6^th as a Red Devil.  She plays year round, for club (travel) teams when the school season is over.  Playing club volleyball has helped her improve throughout high school.  “My club coach seemed to know the best way to coach and get through to me for me to perform my best,” she said.  “He is probably the most influential coach I’ve had.”

Baker is known for her passion for volleyball.  “She’s really energetic and brings a lot of positive energy to the team,” said teammate Katy Brose ’13, who added that “it makes it a lot of fun to play together.”  Baker’s passion reflects her competitiveness and always doing what it takes to win.

Baker is an outside and right side hitter, and she plays all around.  “This season is probably one of my best seasons I’ve had,” she said.  “I’m a lot more confident in my own ability that I used to be.”  Having many hitters on this year’s team has allowed her to become more versatile and hit from wherever she is on the court.  Coach Chad Marshall also commented, “She’s a fast learner … She has become more confident since her sophomore year.”

Although she doesn’t plan on playing volleyball at a high level in college, Baker will play recreationally at whichever university she chooses.  As of now, she is considering Purdue, Indiana University, Depauw, Northwestern, and University of Illinois, where she will study business, psychology, or nutrition.

“Tasha is one of our best players,” said Marshall.  “She, along with a couple others, takes the majority of the load of the game.  She has responded well and taken that role as a senior captain.”

FACT BOX (favorites):

Store – Target

Movie – “The Last Song”

Actor – Josh Hutcherson

TV Show – “Law and Order: SVU”

Restaurant – Olive Garden

Serving to glory: Tasha Baker has found her stroke and is helping the West Side volleyball team find victories. She is a senior and is in her last year at West Side and shes really making a difference.