Simply put, Melissa ranks as the most prolific women’s basketball player ever to dress-out for the Lynx. A highly versatile 5’9” forward, Melissa was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Lynx all four years of her career. She ranks third in all-time scoring with 1,294 points. She broke the previous scoring record by more than 200 points and did it before the advent of the three-point shot in college basketball.
In free-throw shooting, she ranked 5th in NCAA Division III her junior year. At Rhodes, she is the field goal percentage record holder with an impressive 49.7% career mark.
Melissa was recognized as a South Region Kodak All-American; for her accomplishments in the classroom as well as on the court, she received the Seidman Award for excellence in academics and athletics.
Today, Melissa coaches for St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile and is one of the top women’s coaches in the state of Alabama. She has compiled an impressive 210-78 record and saw one team capture the State Championship. As much a teacher as a coach, she is a singular role model for many.
In recognition of the young woman who in Coach Sara Hatgas’ words, “almost single handedly brought Rhodes Women’s Basketball to the forefront of Division III basketball in the South,” we are proud to induct MELISSA HAYES BAKER into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 29th day of October, 1999.
