Born in Anaheim (Orange County) California in 1978, Gregory Ryan Baker was the first born of three Baker boys. Greg's siblings , Matt and Josh Baker were born a few years later in the same hospital.
Greg's parents who were both athletes growing up wanted their kids to involve themselves in sports just as they did. Greg was introduced to the sport of water skiing at the young age of 2. At two years old, on a small river south of the border Greg was up on two skis crying his eyes out like a little baby. He did not know that this was what he would be doing for the next few years of his life.
Greg was introduced to soccer at the age of six,when he signed up for AYSO in Region 67, while he was still consistently water skiing for both recreation and competitively. The AYSO team he played for was the Rowdy Rebels. The Rowdy Rebels' coach gave Greg his first nickname, Stud, a nickname that he later found out was given to him because he was not a stud at all.Stud and the Rowdy Rebels went all the way to the playoffs that year and won the bronze medal ending their season.
As his high school soccer career was winding down Greg had a decision to make, go to college or work. He decided to do both attending a community college and coaching his first club team at the age of 17. Greg took all of his necessary coaching courses and was state and nationally licensed by 21 years of age.
There were a lot of things to contemplate as Greg approached his 22nd birthday, such as where to work, attend school, coach soccer. Greg decided that he would join the work force and start coaching soccer full time. A small club known as Cal Heat signed Greg on as a paid coach/trainer.
Changing/adding other clubs along the way, Greg was learning all he could by winning, losing, and trying to develop. Once he developed enough coaching skills he applied at St Lucy's high school for varsity coach and got the job! Greg's teams won 4 league titles, several tournaments titles, and even made it to the CIF finals where they lost to a very good Santa Margarita high school team 2-1.
After coaching high school Greg was offered a coaching position at Azusa Pacific University where he gladly became part of a staff that brought GSAC titles, Regional titles, and National championship finalists to the school.
Greg and his brother Matt started So Cal Training, LLC where they love to work with players privately and semi privately on their skills. They also began and coach the much acclaimed Breakaway team.
Having been recognized among Southern California's premier trainers the Blues brought the Baker Boys to Rancho Capistrano to hold their private lessons for Blues Players.
The boys have now joined the Blues Coaching Staff adding even more star power to one of the nation's top coaching staffs.