Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • Eyes on the Court, Heart on the Cross Vivien Baker

TWO major successes will always stand out in Vivien Baker’s sports career. First, she will never forget the basketball victory against St. Elizabeth, “The game helped our team realize that we are capable of more than we think.” Secondly, her volleyball team defeated Fatima after a 17-year long drought! But for Vivien, the best memories are the smaller, spirit-building moments which happen at practices and on bus rides. Vivien loves small talk and joking with other girls as they get to know each other over a hot meal.

A senior at Linn High School, Vivien plays the outside hitter position in volleyball and a forward in basketball. She began competing when she was in second grade, playing for Mid-State Force and the Swish Athletic Club. These days she plays volleyball for Alpha Omega. Michele Baker (mom) describes her daughter’s affinity for volleyball: “From the first moment Vivien picked up a volleyball, she was hooked. Playing and developing mastery has always brought her joy, and it’s been so fun to watch her grow in her love for the game.”

But sports are not without difficulties either. Like all athletes, Vivien deals with physical strain: her knee pain has persisted for a little over a year. The orthopedic doctor said it is tendonitis, plica syndrome, and her kneecap is tracking to the inside of the groove that it sits in. Dealing with knee pain as a volleyball player is difficult, but Vivien handles it gracefully. “Actually, my greatest challenge in sports is feeling prideful. Pride prevents me from receiving constructive criticism.” Vivien acknowledges that she sometimes looks for a sense of worth in her competitions and forgets about the gifts God has given her. “I’ve been praying about this, and I must practice gratitude and realize that life is about the One who saved me.”

This year as Vivien hits the gym daily and improves her backrow for volleyball, as she increases her stamina and speed on the basketball court, Vivien wants to go even deeper and strengthen her joy and humility too. Training both physically and emotionally are signs of a true athlete! Cheering her on are a village of coaches and family members. “Coach Allen Speckhals at Mid-State Force was probably the best coach I ever had. He introduced me to practicing the fundamentals. He was such an encouragement to me and really helped me improve.”

Parents, Bruce and Michele Baker, also have a tremendous impact on Vivien’s career. “My dad provides feedback after basketball games which I really appreciate. He cares so much about me and our family. Mom is my biggest cheerleader. She has always been there for me in the hardest times, getting food for me, driving me around and providing a listening ear. They are the most loving parents I could ask for.” Vivien also has two older sisters, Claire (22) and Autumn (20). “The relationship we have is such a beautiful thing.” The three sisters enjoy hanging out and laughing, but they also have a strong bond which gets them through life’s difficulties. Lastly, Vivien credits her best friend, Madison, as having the purest and humblest heart. “Madison represents Christ in the way she interacts with others. I love her dearly and know that she is going to do amazing things.”

Vivien participates in drama club, art club, FFA, Student Council, and serves as class treasurer. “I am involved with youth group and very much enjoy baking, reading, and petting my dogs.” With a 4.0 GPA, and 20 college credits completed, Vivien is set up well to attend university and study a branch of ministry. “Jesus is my role model. His love is unmatched and unconditional. I wouldn’t be here without Him.” Vivien wants her fellow students to be inspired by Christ: “God says everything has a purpose – even the bad things. I want everyone to know that Jesus loves them and wants a relationship with them.”