Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
CHARLIE BAKER
- Charlie Baker spent two seasons with the Sonoma State Baseball Team, 1983 and 1984, playing under head coach Steve Blateric. Following his graduation with a degree in Communication Studies, he went on to earn his MBA in International Business from Saint Mary's College and for the last 14 years, he has worked for Nike.
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
My favorite memory from my time at SSU was beating UC Berkeley.
How do you think you changed as a person during your time at Sonoma State?
I grew up and I learned to become a critical thinker.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
Go to class. Get your education. That is something that no one can take from you. Have fun playing sports, but realize this is truly an extracurricular activity. Education comes first.
What are you up to these days?
I am the Director of North America Inbound Deliver at Nike, Inc. in Oregon. I've worked here for 14 years. I've also been married to another SSU alum, Bonnie Heaton (MA in Counseling, 1985) for the past 31 years.
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
Sonoma State University taught me how to be a critical thinker and how to challenge the status quo. I also learned how to professionally communicate my ideas.
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
