Citrus College Names Aniya Baker as Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Citrus College Athletics has officially named former Division I student-athlete and veteran coach Aniya Baker as the new head coach of the Owls women's basketball program. Baker brings a wealth of experience spanning the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A), NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division I ranks.
Baker expressed her excitement about joining the Citrus College community and leading the program into its next chapter.
"What excites me most is the opportunity to build relationships with our student-athletes and be a part of their journey," Baker said. "Citrus College has a great reputation, and I'm excited to get on campus, connect with the players, and get to work. Coaching is about so much more than basketball to me, so I'm looking forward to helping our student-athletes grow both on and off the court while building something the entire Citrus community can be proud of."
Baker's coaching career has been defined by program development, strategic recruiting, and a commitment to student-athlete success. She arrives at Citrus following head coaching stints at Merced College from 2023-26 and De Anza College from 2020-22. She also spent the 2022-23 season as head coach at NCAA Division II Holy Names University and served as an assistant coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills during the 2019-20 campaign, helping develop three All-CCAA selections, including the conference's Newcomer of the Year.
Prior to entering the coaching profession, Baker enjoyed an accomplished playing career. A standout point guard at Perris High School, she earned McDonald's All-American Honorable Mention honors, was a two-time Sunbelt League MVP, and received All-CIF Southern Section recognition.
Baker began her collegiate career at UC Davis in 2012-13, earning Big West All-Freshman Team honors while ranking second on the team in assists (51) and third in steals (48). After transferring to San José State, she led the Spartans with 119 assists during the 2014-15 season, ranking fifth in the Mountain West, while averaging 7.9 points and 4.0 assists per game. She concluded her collegiate career at Grand Canyon University in 2016-17, starting 13 games and leading the team with 50 steals while totaling 117 points, 89 rebounds, and 84 assists.
Baker emphasized the importance of accountability and connection when discussing the culture she hopes to establish with the Owls.
"I want us to be a team that holds each other accountable, competes hard, and stays connected," Baker said. "I want our players to know that they're supported, but also challenged to be their best every day. My goal is to create an environment where people genuinely care about one another, take pride in representing Citrus College, and understand that success comes from consistency and doing the little things right. More than anything, I want our players to leave this program as better people than when they arrived."
Looking ahead to her first season leading the program, Baker said laying a strong foundation will be a top priority.
"My first goal is to get to know our players and establish the standards of our program," Baker said. "I want us to compete at a high level, build strong relationships, and create an identity that our players, alumni, and campus community can be proud of. If we can improve every day, represent Citrus College the right way, and lay the groundwork for long-term success, I'll feel great about the direction of our program."
Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Junior Domingo expressed his excitement about the addition of Baker to the program.