East Texas Baptist University Athletics

Makayla Baxter enters her second year on Joey Petrich’s staff for women’s soccer and has been promoted to assistant coach for the 2026 season. She brings energy, discipline, and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the collegiate level. She spent the past year as the graduate assistant for Petrich, where she played a key role in training sessions, video analysis, recruiting coordination, and day-to-day program operations.
 
Before stepping into coaching, Baxter enjoyed a standout four-year playing career at ETBU. Known for her work ethic and leadership, she helped the Tigers maintain a competitive presence in the ASC while consistently contributing on the field. During her career, she earned significant conference recognition, including being named to the All-ASC Second Team and the ASC Honorable Mention team. Her experience as both a player and a coach within the same program gives her a unique ability to connect with student-athletes and guide them through the demands of college soccer.
 
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from ETBU in 2024 before completing a Master’s Degree in Sports Management in 2025.