Coach Bobby Baker Lower Gym Dedication Ceremony Recap
On, August 9, 2025, the Sumter Family YMCA proudly hosted a special ceremony dedicating our court in honor of Coach Bobby Baker. Family, friends, former players, YMCA members, and community members gathered to celebrate Coach Bobby Baker’s more than 60 years of coaching, mentoring, and serving the youth in the Sumter community and beyond.
The event included heartfelt remarks, moments of reflection, and the unveiling of the new dedication signage. Attendees shared stories of Coach Baker’s decades-long dedication to basketball and youth coaching, highlighting the countless players he has mentored, the teams he has guided, the lessons he has taught both on and off the courts. His commitment to our YMCA and community has been constant throughout his career.
Coach Baker often emphasizes that coaching is more than just basketball—it’s about teaching young people life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and character that carry over far beyond the court. His guidance has helped shape generations of youth and continues to inspire all who have learned from him.
The Item and WIS News 10 covered the ceremony and highlighted Coach Baker’s lasting impact on Sumter. Even today, he continues to serve others, giving his time and energy to the Crosswell Home for Children and staying closely connected to our YMCA community. His dedication to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility embodies the mission of the Y.
The court dedication not only honors Coach Baker’s extraordinary contributions but also ensures his influence will be felt by generations to come. Every time a child picks up a basketball or joins a team on that court, they’ll be stepping into the lessons and values he shared throughout his career.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended this meaningful celebration and to those who helped make the event possible — from donors, organizers, speakers, and article writers, volunteers, and media teams. As we look toward the future, we carry Coach Baker’s living legacy with us — “coaching the game of life” by building stronger connections, healthier families, and a brighter community for all.
stronger connections, healthier families, and a brighter community for all.
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To Relive the Moments
• View the full photo gallery from the ceremony here
• Follow us on Instagram: @ymcaofsumter1912 , for more highlights and YMCA updates
