South Carolina State University made two major coaching announcements on Tuesday, signaling a new era for its women’s sports programs. The university introduced Cedric Baker as the new head coach for women’s basketball and named Andrew Richardson as the new leader of the women’s soccer program.
Cedric Baker Takes Over SC State Women’s Basketball
Cedric Baker, a veteran coach with 262 wins over 22 seasons at Savannah State, has been tapped to lead the Lady Bulldogs.
“At this pivotal moment in the future of our women’s basketball program, we believe (Coach) Baker is the right person to lead us forward,” said SC State Interim Athletic Director Buddy Pough. “His experience, vision and values align with our mission of developing student-athletes who excel on and off the court.”
Baker replaces Tim Eatman, who stepped down last week after a difficult tenure that ended with a 7-84 overall record and no MEAC tournament wins beyond the first round. Despite the numbers, Baker expressed confidence in the program’s potential.
“It’s got good bones,” Baker said. “Now, we have to restore this house, and it begins with roster management. My style is inclusive and supportive. I expressed to our young ladies that my approach is one of passion and hard work. We’ll worry about the pain later.”
A former math professor, Baker emphasized his analytical approach to coaching, focusing on free throw percentage, turnover margin, and rebounding.
“If our teams can win in two of those three categories, we can be successful,” he said. “I told the players that they will get credit for every win, and I will take responsibility for each of the losses. Moving forward, I’ve asked them to be strong — we have work to do and heavy loads to pull.”
When asked about pressure from the men’s basketball team’s recent MEAC co-championship run, Baker responded:
“It’s all about believing in passion, preparation and performance. When you prepare at a high level, there is no pressure. It’s all about beginning with the end in mind… and that’s winning games.”
Before Savannah State, Baker coached at Benedict College and Voorhees College, leaving both programs with winning records. But his priority remains bigger than basketball.
“Our goal is to put a product on the floor that the alumni can be proud of. But, more importantly, it’s about putting these young women on a trajectory to be successful in whatever they choose to do in life.”
Andrew Richardson Tapped to Lead Women’s Soccer Rebuild
Also on Tuesday, Andrew Richardson was introduced as the new women’s soccer coach at SC State. A Columbia native, Richardson brings local roots and deep recruiting ties throughout South Carolina and beyond.
“I wanted someone that knows this area,” said Buddy Pough. “I see kids playing soccer on fields all over Orangeburg, Florence and surrounding communities. I wanted someone who can recruit those kids to play at SC State. It was an easy choice. I think he’s a home run.”
Richardson previously served as an assistant for both men’s and women’s teams at Columbia College and led programs at Spring Valley High School, Heathwood Hall, and Cardinal Newman.
“This is a Homecoming of sorts,” Richardson said. “Growing up, my grandfather told me stories of his time spent at State College. To be able to come here is a special, special moment.”
Richardson inherits a program that has won just three games over the last three seasons, including a winless campaign in 2023.
“I feel like this program is well-positioned as we head into the future,” he said. “Our recipe is to be consistent, be reliable and create incredible people that will be quality student-athletes. We want to build a culture and create a reality that’s based in our process.”
He remains optimistic that with the right players, SC State women’s soccer can become a contender.
