Baker University Names Andy Kelley as New Women's Basketball Head Coach

Kelley returns to his alma mater after successful stint at University of Saint Mary

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a women's basketball game, with the players and court rendered in a fractured, multi-perspective style.The return of a former Wildcat assistant coach to lead Baker University's women's basketball program promises a new era of success and championship aspirations.Baldwin City Today

After a national search, Baker University has named Andy Kelley as the new head coach of the Wildcat women's basketball program. Kelley, a 2014 Baker graduate, returns to Baldwin City after spending the past five seasons as head coach at nearby University of Saint Mary, where he became the team's winningest coach and led the Spires to three NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Why it matters

Kelley's hiring represents a homecoming for the former Wildcat assistant coach, who helped guide the program to tremendous success during his previous tenure, including a national runner-up finish in 2016-17. His proven track record of building a winning culture and guiding teams to the national tournament makes him an ideal choice to lead Baker's women's basketball program into the future.

The details

As head coach at Saint Mary, Kelley led the Spires to their first KCAC Tournament Championship in 2023 and three NAIA National Tournament appearances in the past four seasons (2023, 2024, and 2026). During his tenure, the Spires produced three 20-win seasons, including back-to-back program-record campaigns with 21 wins in 2022-23 and 25 victories the following season. He coached a total of 21 All-KCAC selections, including the 2024 KCAC Player of the Year and NAIA All-American Tanea Sims, as well as the 2026 KCAC Freshman of the Year Abby Wendte.

  • Kelley spent a total of four seasons on the Baker sidelines as an assistant coach, joining the staff in the summer of 2014.
  • During Kelley's time as an assistant at Baker, the Wildcats compiled a 90-36 overall record and captured the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships in 2017.
  • The Wildcats also made three NAIA Tournament appearances during Kelley's stint as an assistant, advancing to the Round of 16 twice (2015-16, 2016-17) and reaching the Fab Four while finishing as the national runner-up in 2016-17.

The players

Andy Kelley

A 2014 Baker graduate, Kelley returns to Baldwin City after spending the past five seasons as head coach at nearby University of Saint Mary, where he became the team's winningest coach and ushered the Spires through their most successful stretch in program history.

Susan Decker

The Director of Athletics at Baker University, who announced Kelley's hiring as the next head coach of the Wildcat women's basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy back to Baker as the leader of our women's basketball program. He understands what makes Baker special, and his proven track record of building a successful program made him an ideal choice to lead our team. The success he achieved at Saint Mary speaks for itself, and we are excited about the vision, energy and championship mindset he brings as he returns to guide our program forward.”

— Susan Decker, Director of Athletics, Baker University

“I'm incredibly honored and excited to be named the next head women's basketball coach at Baker University. Baker has been home to me since I arrived on campus as a student in 2010, and this is an opportunity I've dreamed about for many years. I was fortunate to join the staff in 2014 and quickly fell in love with every aspect of this program.”

— Andy Kelley, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Baker University

What’s next

Kelley will begin his tenure as the new head coach of the Baker University women's basketball program immediately, with the goal of continuing the Wildcats' tradition of success and leading the team to the NAIA National Tournament.

The takeaway

Kelley's return to Baker University as the new women's basketball head coach represents a homecoming for the former Wildcat assistant, who helped guide the program to tremendous success during his previous tenure. His proven track record of building winning programs and leading teams to the national tournament makes him an ideal choice to lead Baker's women's basketball program into the future.