Baker Hires Keith Pipkin as Tennis Coach

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – Baker University Director of Athletics Theresa Yetmar has announced the hiring of Baker alumnus Keith Pipkin '11 as the new Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach.

Pipkin played two seasons for Johnson County Community College and finished his career with the Wildcats in 2009 and 2010. After his playing days Pipkin served as an assistant coach for former Baker head tennis coach Joe Ahmadian until the 2013 season. During the 2012 season Pipkin was named the NAIA Central Regional Assistant Coach of the Year.

Pipkin served as the head boys' tennis coach at Baldwin High School from 2014-15 and last year served at his alma mater, Lawrence Free State High School, as the head boys and girls tennis coach. Pipkin has also been working as a tennis professional for the Jayhawk Tennis Center since 2009, and most recently joined Lawrence Country Club as the Tennis Director in 2015.

"I honestly couldn't be happier about becoming the new head coach at my alma mater," said Pipkin. "I enjoyed my time as a student-athlete for the Wildcats and serving as an assistant coach. I can't wait to take over what Joe (Ahmadian) has built and continue to grow the programs. I am extremely excited to get started."

"Coach Ahmadian and I hold the same ideals. What I want to instill is mental toughness on the court and to consistently work together as a team. We will support each other on and off the court. I want us to be the most mentally tough team in the conference."

While at Free State, Pipkin led four girls tennis players to the State Tournament, the most in school history and helped lead the Firebirds to one of the best girls' tennis seasons in school history.

He also helped qualify five boys tennis players to the State Tournament and four of those players medaled at the event.

"We are excited to have Keith joining us as our next Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach," said Director of Athletics Theresa Yetmar. "As a former student-athlete and assistant coach at our institution, Keith has a great understanding of Baker and our tennis programs. The connections he has built in the local area during his time coaching and teaching at Baldwin High School, Free State High School, and the Jayhawk Tennis Center will be invaluable during the recruiting process. We have a strong tradition of excellence in our tennis programs and expect that to continue under Keith's leadership."