Greenville, SC:  The NCCAA is pleased to announce Lauren Baker of Dallas Christian College (DCC) as the 2021 Dr. Vickie Grooms Denny Award Recipient for Division II Women’s Volleyball.
 
An outside hitter from Arlington, Texas, Baker knew that playing volleyball was a part of God’s plan for her life. It has led to great relationships, opportunities, and a new love for God within the team of believers. She developed as a volleyball player and follower of Christ in her time at DCC. Baker’s intelligence is displayed on and off the court, as she holds a 3.65 GPA as an education major and has been named an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete.
 
Baker is a second-year team captain. She has a presence on the court and is respected by her teammates. Baker is a positive influence in and out of competition and is someone her team can count on. She was voted First Team All-Regional in 2020 and 2021, Second Team All-Regional in 2019, and was a crucial part of the NCCAA Division II Runner-Up Team in 2020. Baker has led the Crusaders in kills in the majority of matches this season. She is ranked sixth nationally for kills and fifth in hitting percentage.
 
On campus, Baker has participated in several DCC service days, including handing out bottled water to homeless people in the inner city of Dallas. Baker also helped pack box lunches for a Haiti Mission Trip. She volunteered at the Lanier Theological Library with her team as well.
 
“She is a natural leader. Baker is a top performer in the stats, but also shows leadership in areas
that may not appear on paper,” boasts Head Coach Tyese Little. “Baker is an excellent example of DCC’s mission statement.”
 
Other Finalists
Mattie Bumpus, Maranatha Baptist University


Award Description
As the head coach at Maranatha Baptist College, Clearwater Christian College, and Bob Jones University, her teams have won 14 NCCAA National Championships. An inductee into the NCCAA Hall of Fame (2005), she has served as NCCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Chair, member President, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Overshadowing her many accomplishments, it is her pursuit of excellence on and off the court as a reflection of Jesus Christ that stands above the wins. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Dr. Vickie Grooms Denny’s legacy of service.
 

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