BAKER’S GOODS

Hired ahead of the 1999 season, coach Patrick Baker elevated the upstart Seminole program into a regular postseason contender. Baker, who previously served as head coach at Penn and an assistant with the U.S. women’s under-21 national team, compiled an 80-46-11 overall record and had winning records in five of his six seasons in Tallahassee. He also guided the Noles to some of the biggest “firsts” in program history. After defeating No. 7 Texas A&M in September 2000, FSU earned the first NSCAA poll ranking in program history — and remained ranked the rest of the season. The Seminoles made their first NCAA Tournament that same year, earning victories over Jacksonville and No. 11 Florida. In 2003, the Noles advanced to their first College Cup Final. Additionally, FSU defeated rivals North Carolina, Miami and Virginia for the first time under Baker’s tenure. The 2004 Soccer America Coach of the Year positively impacted the budding program, putting Florida State soccer on the map for decades to come.