Kim Baker started volunteering with Bartlesville Public Schools when her daughter Brooke started pre-K at Wayside Elementary School.
“As soon as Brooke made roster for the Lady Bruins, I knew I wanted to focus my extra time with Brooke and the team and I jumped right in to start helping our team manager, Sheryl Decker,” said Baker.
As a volunteer, there are many things for Baker and others to accomplish.
“I really try to be available to do what Sheryl and the coaches need me to do. Our list is long, and I had no idea all it takes to manage a high school team, but the time and attention is absolutely worth it. I personally assist with the management of our Instagram and Facebook social media pages (@bhsladybruinsoccer). I help keep the locker room stocked with the generous donations from our parents, coordinate our fundraisers and send out challenges for our Big/Lil Sis program,” Baker continued. “I keep parents and the team up to date on weekly events and announcements via various communications, and I help organize our team dinners and gate/concession volunteer lists. I assist with setting up the video equipment at each game so the players can have their highlight videos and stats available for college recruiting, and most importantly, I do what I can to encourage the players, invest in them and remind them that they are valued, they are needed, and they have a team mom that is there for them and believes in them. They’re a phenomenal group of young women and I’m so honored that I get to support them.”
It’s a lot of work, but there are plenty of things to enjoy about volunteering.
“I most enjoy getting to spend time with the team, giving back to the community and serving the players. My hope is that we’re creating an atmosphere where the players feel encouraged, challenged, appreciated, safe and ultimately create in them a legacy that develops into a desire to be a part of and contribute to something bigger than them,” said Baker. “For me, it places me right in the center of what’s important to Brooke and it gives me a better understanding of what inspires her. My husband (Kendall) and I want to model for Brooke what it means to serve others and your community. It’s our priority to help make the activities she’s involved in as positive, successful, and as rewarding as possible, not only for Brooke but for everyone else involved too.”
For the Baker family, living in the Bartlesville community has been a blessing.
“Although we’re only in our freshman year with the high school, I’ve been very pleased, impressed, and thankful for school leadership and her athletic journey. Bartlesville is an amazing community full of wonderful citizens, families, churches, schools, facilities, and organizations. I’ve lived in Bartlesville 29 years, and I truly think it’s the best community on earth and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” said Baker.
When Kim has some free time, she has no problem filling it with more activities.
“For my free time, I love being a soccer mom and team volunteer. I also enjoy walking, jogging when I can, and I love to be outdoors. I am a Sr. Health and Welfare advisor at Phillips 66, I’m an RN and I serve on the Ascension St Johns Jane Phillips hospital board and the Patient’s Right to Pharmacy Choice Advisory Committee for Governor Stitt and Oklahomans. I’m also an OKWU soccer mom to our adopted daughter, Isa, an OKWU Women’s Soccer player and student from Brazil.”
