Baker appointed to drive performance for Olympic charge

Lacrosse Australia has today announced the appointment of Sean Baker as Performance Support Manager, a new position that expands on the work that the South Australian native has already been conducting with Australian national squads in the strength and conditioning space.

Baker will now oversee the physical preparation and injury management for all of the disciplines extending through the pathway to ensure that Australian lacrosse athletes are in the best shape possible to perform.

Lacrosse Australia Chair Abbie Burgess, said that the appointment would build on the exceptional work that Baker had already delivered.

“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Sean Baker into the newly-created role of Performance Support Manager at Lacrosse Australia, which will see him lead the physical preparation and injury management across all programs and pathways,” said Burgess.

“Sean brings a rare combination of energy, expertise, and a deep understanding of what it takes to prepare elite athletes, backed by years of hands-on experience with our high performance teams and his own thriving sports hub. We’re excited to have Sean step into this expanded role as we continue to raise the bar on athlete performance nationally.”

Baker said that he would bring a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective shaped by high-performance experience across elite basketball, AFL and cricket environments.

“This breadth allows me to identify and apply the best practices from multiple sporting codes but, more than that, I bring a deep commitment to the human side of coaching – the ability to connect, motivate, and bring the best out of individuals and teams,” said Baker.

“I believe it’s this combination of high-performance insight and genuine leadership that will give our athletes and our nation a distinct competitive edge.”

Baker said that the most important element in working with elite athletes was the ability to create genuine buy-in.

“Building trust, fostering strong relationships, and creating a shared sense of purpose are at the heart of this. I believe my ability to connect with athletes on a personal level, while maintaining high standards and a clear performance vision, will be instrumental in driving commitment to the program,” said Baker.

“What I’m most looking forward to is seeing the collective effort of an entire lacrosse community come to life and, ultimately, giving our athletes the professional platform they’ve worked so hard for and truly deserve.

“I feel incredibly privileged to play a role in this journey and, while my six years of involvement is just a fraction compared to the decades of dedication shown by so many, I’m deeply committed to building on that legacy.

“My focus is on ensuring that we perform at our absolute best – not just for the success it brings, but to honour those who have paved the way for this moment.”

Baker will officially take the reins from tomorrow as the Australian Women’s Sixes selection camp kicks off in Adelaide.