Women's basketball coach MJ Baker leaves EFSC after eight-year run

Eastern Florida State College women's head basketball coach MJ Baker has accepted a position as the women's basketball coach at Emporia State University in Kansas.

Baker led the Titans program for eight seasons and finished with 183 wins and won 76.8 percent of her games with Eastern Florida State College. The Titans went to the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship Tournament three times.

"After eight unforgettable years, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Eastern Florida State College - a place that has become so much more than just where I coached. It has been home," Baker said. "Serving as the head coach of the women's basketball program at EFSC has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am profoundly thankful to Athletic Director Jeff Carr and President Jim Richey for their unwavering belief in me and for allowing me the opportunity to grow and lead within such an outstanding athletic department. Their support, and the support of our entire EFSC community, has meant the world to me and my family."

In 2023, Baker's team made history by winning the FCSAA Region 8 Championship for the first time and the team made it to the Final Four of the national tournament. Overall, Baker won three conference titles and had a string of 47 conference wins in a row over five seasons. The team has been nationally ranked for the past four seasons.

"Eastern Florida has given me memories, relationships, and life lessons that will stay with me forever. From the players who gave their all on the court, to the staff who stood side by side with me every step of the way, and the community that consistently showed up with pride and passion - it has truly been a special place. I am proud of what we built together, and I will always carry Eastern Florida with me," Baker said. "With that said, I am honored and humbled to accept the role as head coach of the women's basketball program at Emporia State University. I want to thank President Hush, Director of Athletics David Spafford, and Senior Associate AD Steve Roadcap for entrusting me with this opportunity. My family and I are excited for this new chapter, and we look forward to becoming a part of the Emporia State community.

"As I take this next step, know that Eastern Florida will always hold a very special place in my heart. I'm forever grateful."

Baker finished 63-9 at home in her seven seasons including winning 43 in a row, producing four All-Americans and several academic All-Americans. She was recently named the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Heart of a Coach Award and was honored at the FCA meeting during the NCAA Division I National Tournament Final Four.

"We are sad to see MJ go but it is a great opportunity for her and her family," Eastern Florida State College Associate Vice President of Athletics Jeff Carr said. "We wish her all the very best! She set a high bar for Eastern Florida women's basketball! We have some very tough shoes to find MJ's replacement.  Blessings to her and her family!"

Emporia State University is an NCAA Division II program that won 10 games last season but has been to the NCAA Central Regional Tournament three times in the past seven seasons.