Michael Baker, a former University of Hawai'i cheerleader, was named the school's new cheerleading coach. He replaces co-head coaches Erica Buder-Nakasone and Kellie Mikami, both of whom held the title for the past two years.

Prior to accepting his position, Baker coached at the University of Washington since 1996 and the last two years served as the team's advisor/head coach. During his stay, the Huskies placed fourth in 1999 and fifth in 2000 at the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) National Championships. His squads prided itself on having the department's highest team grade point average. As head coach, Baker developed the program's official website and developed clinics for local high schools.

Baker lettered at UH from 1993-96, while pursuing a master's degree in business/political science. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Washington in 1992. At UW, he cheered for the Huskies' nationally ranked football team, which made two appearances in the Rose Bowl.

While attending UH, Baker also served as Hawai`i Pacific's assistant coach from 1993-95, where he choreographed routines for the squad's first two national competitions.

His other stints include advisor/coach at Puget Sound (1992-93), advisor/coach at Iolani High School (1994-95), and assistant coach at Lake Washington High School (1996-99).

Baker is a member of the UCA, where he has served as an instructor for the past 14 years. He has assisted in the development of new college techniques, which has been taught nationally at college cheerleading camps across the nation.



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