🤩 Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Baker Gives Back to the Game She Loves

Lisa Baker has been part of the Coastal FC community for over 12 years. Today, she’s the head coach of CFC 09F White (Riptide) in our U14 to U18 Rep and Divisional program, and a strong role model for the players she works with.

Her soccer journey began long before she joined the club. Lisa played for Semiahmoo Girls Soccer on the Semiahmoo Waves, a high-level team that won provincials three times. “Soccer has always been a part of my life,” she shares. “Even now, I’m still close with some of my old teammates. It’s amazing that many of us are still involved in the sport.”

Getting Started with Coastal FC

When her daughter joined Coastal FC at age four, Lisa knew she wanted to help. As a teacher, she already had experience working with children, and coaching felt like a great fit. “I love the game, and I wanted my daughter and her teammates to have a great experience,” she says.

Since then, Lisa has coached many players through different stages of their development. Alongside her assistant coaches Shivaun and Leah, she’s focused on building a positive team environment. The goal is to help every player feel accepted, respected, and supported both on and off the field. “We try to create a space where girls feel safe to be themselves. When that happens, they grow as players and as people.”

Team Memories That Last

Some of Lisa’s favourite memories come from team bonding moments. They’ve gone pier jumping at the White Rock beach, raced through corn mazes, helped out at a community kitchen, and travelled together to big tournaments like the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup.

One special memory was during Provincials in Kamloops. A thunderstorm paused the match, and players from all teams waited together under a building. At first, everyone stuck with their own team. Then snacks and music came out, and soon all the girls were dancing and singing together. “It was one of those moments where competition didn’t matter anymore,” Lisa remembers. “They were just kids enjoying something together.”

Coaching with Purpose

Lisa believes coaching is about more than just soccer. It’s about helping players build confidence and grow into strong, kind people. She’s thankful for the support she’s received from her assistant coaches, team manager, the players’ families, and the club. “It takes a team to build a great experience,” she says. “I feel lucky to be part of it.”

Life Outside the Game

Outside of soccer, Lisa is a teacher-librarian. She enjoys reading at her cabin, paddle boarding, walking her rescue dog, and travelling. Her favourite treat? The chocolate peanut butter pie at The Cabin restaurant.

She’s a longtime fan of Christine Sinclair and was lucky enough to be at her final match with Team Canada. “Being able to give the GOAT a standing ovation with my Coastal team was unforgettable,” she says. Lisa is also excited about the Vancouver Rise and loved seeing Coastal players on the field during the halftime show.

For Lisa, coaching is about giving back and being part of something bigger. “Coastal FC is our home. I hope to keep coaching until the girls graduate. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Thank you, Lisa, for all you do for your players, your team, and the Coastal FC community.