Former Turlock Christian High standout Jill Baker was hired as the Bethany University volleyball assistant to coach Reed Duffus, the Scotts Valley-based school announced Tuesday.

The player-to-coach transition happened shortly after Baker’s stellar four-year career at Azusa Pacific University, where she was named the 2009 NAIA Player of the Year and was a three-time first-team NAIA All-American as an outside hitter.

“We are pleased to have someone of Jill’s caliber join our program,” Duffus said in a statement. “She brings a big-time program mentality and she’s experienced success at the highest level of the NAIA. This is an exciting time for Bethany volleyball.”

The 23-year-old Baker was also selected as the 2009 Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year after she led Azusa Pacific to a 28-9 campaign. She owns Azusa Pacific’s single-match, single-season and career kills records, and she ranks in the career top 20 in every major statistical category.

Baker most recently played professionally as an outside hitter for Volley Franches-Montagnes (VFM) in Switzerland’s Premier League (LNA).

“I am excited to be joining Bethany’s volleyball program,” Baker said in a statement. “I look forward to implementing the skills and knowledge I have learned throughout my career as I make this transition from player to coach. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Bruin family.”

While at Turlock Christian, Baker played for Delta Valley Volleyball Club before her stellar four-year career at Azusa Pacific — where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied exercise science.