The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Baker and Bell to utilize Texas experience in next chapters
05.22.2015 | Volleyball
Tiffany Baker and Khat Bell plan on using their Texas degrees and volleyball in the next phases of their lives.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Volleyball players Tiffany Baker and Khat Bell graduated from the University of Texas on Friday and both are prepared for the next phases of their lives.
Baker graduated with a Health Promotion degree and a minor in Business Foundations, while Bell earned a degree in Applied Learning & Development.
Bell was drafted as the second pick in the first round to GS Caltex KIXX in Korea. Before she plays there, she will play with USA Volleyball in the 2015 World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea.
"It's going to be fun, a great team," Bell said. "I've met some of the coaches already and they already know that I'm going to bring a lot of fun to the team. I'm excited to experience the culture and learn new things—I'm so excited."
Bell came in to Texas as a middle blocker and the No. 2 recruit coming out of high school. In her freshman campaign, she suffered a knee injury. As she rehabbed, she came back and transitioned into a right side hitter.
The transition was easy for Bell as she didn't skip a beat, continuing to lead Texas to three NCAA semifinals and a Big 12 Championship in each season.
"These last four years have been great," Bell said. "The environment is great, the campus is great, the volleyball program is amazing. It has been a long four years, but it means everything to me."
When her professional career comes to an end, Bell wants to use her degree that she has worked so hard to complete at Texas.
"Hopefully after volleyball, I'll go into doing some counseling," Bell said. "I want to give back to the community, help young kids and coach young girls to get ready for the college experience. A lot of stuff that I didn't know growing up, I learned in college."
For Baker, her degree is just the beginning of her academic career.
She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Healthcare and Administration at Texas State while working as a graduate assistant on the Texas State Volleyball staff.
For Baker, coaching is a new interest, brought about by her relationships with the current staff.
"I am interested because Jerritt (Elliott) suggested many times that I would be good at it," Baker said. "I find myself enjoying it during camps in the summer, so I feel like I should give it a try."
Having played under a staff that has been to six NCAA semifinals in the last seven years, Baker has watched, listened and picked up on some key lessons that she hopes to emulate in her own coaching.
"One thing that Jerritt stressed a lot to me is the importance of relationship management with players," Baker said. "Being able to invest in people with different backgrounds is important, because students will come from diverse backgrounds."
Baker would know, having sorted through some adversity herself. The Carrollton, Texas native began her career at Tennessee in 2011 after being named 2010 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year and rated as the No. 4 recruit coming out of high school.
She played for two years before suffering a knee injury and deciding to take a medical redshirt and transfer to Texas. That was a decision she would not trade for anything.
"Coming to Texas has meant everything to me," Baker said. "I feel like my love for volleyball was restored and that means a lot to me, because I almost didn't play. To come here and have a completely different experience and a supportive, family environment has been awesome."
As both players go on to the next level, the experiences, support and lessons will not only help them, but will not be forgotten as members of the Texas Volleyball family.
