Beth Baker went on medical leave in November and Kent Madsen ended up being CCIW coach of the year in her place. Wheaton (Ill.) athletics photo

Wheaton (Ill.) head women’s basketball coach Beth Baker has announced her retirement as head coach, effective the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year. Baker was named the head coach of the Wheaton women’s basketball program in 1986 and has served 25 years as the head coach of her alma mater. In that time she compiled a record of 434-188, (.698) and a 248-100 (.713) record in CCIW play. She is Wheaton’s all-time leader in victories as a basketball coach and is second all-time in CCIW women’s basketball history in career league wins.

Longtime Wheaton women’s basketball assistant coach Kent Madsen led the team to a 19-7 record this past season after Baker went on medical leave in November. He was named CCIW coach of the year.

Baker said of her time at Wheaton, “It has not been coaching basketball that has been the love of my life at Wheaton. It has been getting to be part of the student-athletes’ lives that has been the joy of my career.” She added, “It has been awesome that God has been able to use me to help point students to a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Basketball has provided the context by which I have had an opportunity to have an impact on their lives.”   

Under Baker's direction, Wheaton won six CCIW women’s basketball championships, the second most of any program in the conference. Her teams made the Division III NCAA Tournament seven times, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2005-06.

Wheaton placed in the top four in all but two years of CCIW competition since 1986. During Baker’s tenure, the program produced four All-Americans, four CCIW Players of the Year, and 65 All-Conference player selections.

Madsen said: “I feel blessed to have worked with Beth for more than 10 years. She has set a high bar for this program. Not only with tremendous success on the court, but also in her walk with Christ and the example that she has set for her players.”

A national search will begin immediately to replace Baker, according to athletic director Tony Ladd.