University of Massachusets Athletics
Shea Baker Named Director of Player Development
July 23, 2026 | Women's Lacrosse
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts head women's lacrosse coach Jana Drummond announced the addition of Shea Baker as Director of Player Development on Thursday ahead of the 2026-27 school year. A 2024 national champion, All-American, member of the United States National Team and Boston Guard of the Women's Lacrosse League, Baker has established herself as one of the nation's premier defenders in college and beyond.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to join UMass women's lacrosse and begin my coaching career at such a special program," said Baker. "I am beyond excited to build meaningful relationships, share my passion for the game and help our student-athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. I can't wait to get to Amherst and get to work."
A native of Ithaca, New York, Baker concluded her collegiate career as a multiple-time All-American and one of the top defensive players in the nation. During her senior campaign, she earned IWLCA second team All-America honors while also being selected to the U.S. Women's National Team for the upcoming 2026 World Championship, which begins on Friday, July 24 in Tokyo, Japan.
"We're thrilled to welcome Shea to our staff," said Drummond. "Her playing experience at the collegiate, national and professional levels, paired with her passion for developing student-athletes, makes her an awesome addition to our program. We are excited for the impact she'll have on our team and can't wait to have her on campus."
As a junior in 2025, Baker was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned first team All-America recognition after leading Boston College with 43 caused turnovers, 37 ground balls and 99 draw controls. She finished among the ACC leaders in each category while helping the Eagles reach Championship Weekend.
Across four seasons at Boston College, Baker appeared in every game of her career, helping the Eagles win the 2024 NCAA National Championship while making multiple NCAA Championship Weekend appearances, along with two ACC Tournament titles. She also excelled in the classroom, earning CSC Academic All-District recognition, multiple ACC All-Academic Team honors and IWLCA Academic Honor Roll accolades.
Following her collegiate career, Baker was selected seventh overall by the Boston Guard in the inaugural Women's Lacrosse League College Draft.
Baker was one of the nation's top recruits coming out of Ithaca High School, where she was a two-time USA Lacrosse All-American, a USA Lacrosse Academic All-American and a standout multi-sport athlete in lacrosse, ice hockey and bowling. Since 2018, she has served as a youth coach in her hometown, conducting a range of individual and group training sessions to tailor personalized agendas for each player.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to join UMass women's lacrosse and begin my coaching career at such a special program," said Baker. "I am beyond excited to build meaningful relationships, share my passion for the game and help our student-athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. I can't wait to get to Amherst and get to work."
A native of Ithaca, New York, Baker concluded her collegiate career as a multiple-time All-American and one of the top defensive players in the nation. During her senior campaign, she earned IWLCA second team All-America honors while also being selected to the U.S. Women's National Team for the upcoming 2026 World Championship, which begins on Friday, July 24 in Tokyo, Japan.
"We're thrilled to welcome Shea to our staff," said Drummond. "Her playing experience at the collegiate, national and professional levels, paired with her passion for developing student-athletes, makes her an awesome addition to our program. We are excited for the impact she'll have on our team and can't wait to have her on campus."
As a junior in 2025, Baker was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned first team All-America recognition after leading Boston College with 43 caused turnovers, 37 ground balls and 99 draw controls. She finished among the ACC leaders in each category while helping the Eagles reach Championship Weekend.
Across four seasons at Boston College, Baker appeared in every game of her career, helping the Eagles win the 2024 NCAA National Championship while making multiple NCAA Championship Weekend appearances, along with two ACC Tournament titles. She also excelled in the classroom, earning CSC Academic All-District recognition, multiple ACC All-Academic Team honors and IWLCA Academic Honor Roll accolades.
Internationally, Baker has represented the United States at multiple levels. She won a gold medal with the U.S. U20 National Team in 2024 before helping Team USA capture the 2025 Pan-American Championship. Baker served as captain of the U20 team.Shea Baker with a timely caused turnover! pic.twitter.com/V7uhbb90Tr
— BC Women's Lacrosse (@BCwlax) April 4, 2026
Following her collegiate career, Baker was selected seventh overall by the Boston Guard in the inaugural Women's Lacrosse League College Draft.
Baker was one of the nation's top recruits coming out of Ithaca High School, where she was a two-time USA Lacrosse All-American, a USA Lacrosse Academic All-American and a standout multi-sport athlete in lacrosse, ice hockey and bowling. Since 2018, she has served as a youth coach in her hometown, conducting a range of individual and group training sessions to tailor personalized agendas for each player.
LESS THAN 4?? HOURS. ??
— USA Lacrosse Women's National Team (@USALWNT) August 24, 2024
Shea Baker wants YOU to watch us in the gold medal game at 6:30 EST. pic.twitter.com/0w93JQhptd
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