HAMBURG, NY – Hilbert College Director of Athletics, Susan Viscomi announces the hiring of Lisa J. Baker to the .JPG)
position of head coach of the softball team for the 2011-2012 academic year. Baker arrives at Hilbert after a stellar collegiate softball career at Niagara University which she hopes to carry on into a coaching profession.
Baker takes over at Hilbert after serving as the assistant varsity softball coach at West Seneca West High School while working on her master’s degree from Canisius College.
Baker’s strength as a high school coach will carry her to the college level. She will focus on improving the Hawks hitting and defensive play. “I had the opportunity to work with some great hitting coaches as a player and I have learned many techniques and skills that provided results for me as a hitter which I am very confident teaching to my players,” said Baker. “Playing mainly at shortstop or second base while at Niagara taught me to master coverages and take command on the field defensively.”
As a player at Niagara University, Baker was named as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Week as well as the ECAC Player of the Week her senior year. Baker was named to the 2007 first team All-MAAC softball squad and completed her career as a Purple Eagle in first place in career RBI’s and career at-bats and in second place with career hits.
“Lisa’s background as an outstanding player at the collegiate level, along with her well-developed communication skills will resonate with our student-athletes. We look forward to her joining our staff and welcome Lisa to the Hilbert community.” said Viscomi.
Currently, Baker is a caseworker – preventive services professional with Baker Victory Services. She is responsible for assisting families referred through the County of Erie’s Department of Social Services, Children’s Service, and Child Protective Services. She supports families in a variety of ways as they transition through the court system when dealing with alternative custody situations with their children.
During her undergraduate years, Baker began her professional employment as a recreational therapist at Gateway-Longview, Inc. as well as a career counselor at Erie 1 Boces; she also served as a vocational specialist with Cazenovia Recovery Systems.
The West Seneca native earned a bachelor’s degree in education and social work from the Mount Eagle Ridge institution in 2007 then followed that with a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Canisius College in 2011.