JAELLE BAKER
MUSKOGEE HIGH SCHOOL
“I’ve always called her J-Bake because that’s a lot easier for a coach to say all the time,” laughed Muskogee High volleyball coach TeAna Tramel.
That’s senior libero and defensive setter Jaelle Baker that Tramel is talking about and who has gained the coach’s respect and admiration even more over the last year.
“She has had to play behind senior liberos the last two years but I’m so proud of how she has handled it,” said Tramel. “In this day and age players might pout or even transfer if they don’t get to start right away but Jaelle came to me last year and asked to play more junior varsity games so could get more experience in addition to seeing some varsity action. She is the ‘mother’ of our team and the heart and soul of our defense. She also excels academically and is taking some college classes this year.”
“J-Bake” grew up playing soccer and doing gymnastics early on but always knew volleyball would figure in somewhere.
“My mom played volleyball in college so I knew I would eventually try it, and I did in sixth grade and fell in love with it.”
She and teammate Reagan Essex, whom she considers as a role model, take on a lot of the duties of being senior leaders.
“Reagan is amazing and so committed and she and I help keep the team energy up. I take ownership of getting the players calmed down in the heat of the moment in a match and encouraging them. I also try to make sure everyone has everything they need and that no one goes without,” said Baker who also plays club volleyball and is in the Science Club at MHS. “I think a good leader doesn’t have to be really vocal or expressive but is someone the team can rely on.”
J-Bake sees a recent match against Sapulpa as a highlight moment of her time at Muskogee.
“It was a five-set match and was very intense. I had several aces, ran out into the crowd to chase and ball and had several good digs. And the best part is that we won.”
Jaelle hopes to continue playing volleyball in college and study business and has discussions with Langston, NEO, Texas Southern and Alabama A&M.
