Milwaukee, WI- The Mount Mary University Department of Athletics has announced Dr. Robert Baker as new Head Soccer Coach.  Baker will begin in the position effective immediately.

Baker brings a wealth of experience in soccer leadership nationally; he has also been a fixture in the Greater Milwaukee soccer community and the Milwaukee Higher Education community. 

Director of Athletics Natalie Balleto, "I am excited to have Dr. Robert Baker join our team! I think his experience and local connections to our Milwaukee community will serve him well and benefit the soccer program tremendously."  Baker founded the Brew City United Soccer program in 2017, and currently still serves as Head Coach and General Manager.   From 2019 to 2023, Baker served as Board President for the Milwaukee Urban Soccer Collaborative, running leagues and clinics for low-income youth.  He possesses his National D Coach's License and has been involved in all levels of soccer from youth levels to Brew City United competing in Major League Indoor Soccer.

Dr. Baker also brings a prestigious academic background to the position, Baker received his bachelor's Degrees in Africology and Political Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  He then received a master's degree in African American Studies and Ph.D. in History, both from the University of California, Los Angeles.  Dr. Baker currently serves as a faculty member at UWM, teaching courses in Ethnic Studies, African American History, and other content areas.  Balleto continued, "Being a professor, Robert also has a passion for higher education and unique understanding of how to connect with this generation. Additionally, Robert is drawn to our university mission and values the opportunity to serve students and our MMU community. I think he will fit in very well at Mount Mary."

Baker's Milwaukee ties run deep, as he was a soccer standout and graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School, just miles from Mount Mary, in 1996.  Looking towards the future success of the program, Baker sees the development of the whole person and growth from student athlete to life long leader as a special progression for his future Blue Angel players, "Over the years, some of the strongest leaders I've met have been Mount Mary University Alumnae", said Dr. Baker, "I am proud to be using my passion for soccer to help build on this tradition of excellence."

The Blue Angel soccer program is coming off of a 2024 campaign in which they went 1-13-2, and the 2025 season will be the first for the program in the NAIA and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.   Stay tuned to www.mtmaryathletics.com for all coverage of Blue Angel Soccer.