Denise Baez

Denise Baez enters her first year as assistant coach for Purdue volleyball. Baez's responsibilities include in-state recruiting, organizing player appearances and team compliance issues.

"It is a pleasure to work with the young ladies here at Purdue," Baez says. "This program has a history and tradition of winning and I'm glad I can be a part of the era when that can once again become so. In addition, I have worked with both Jeff and Laura before and know that together we can help turn things around."

Baez got to know Leaton very well at Arkansas. Leaton served as the Razorbacks' assistant coach while Baez was an outside hitter.

"Denise possesses a lot of energy, and she is very excited to be here," Leaton says. "She is a quality person whose experience and abilities will surely help this team achieve its goals."

Baez's professional career also started in her Arkansas days. While a student-athlete at Arkansas, Baez coached at numerous camps, including Central Arkansas, Aracadiana Area and Arkansas. 

Upon graduating, she coached Sports Express, a junior volleyball team, in Mason, Ohio. While in Ohio, she also served as an assistant at Cincinnati.

Baez's next job placed her in an assistant coaching position on Don Hardin's staff at Illinois. Jeff Hulsmeyer was also an Illini assistant at that time.

"I had the pleasure of working with Denise at Illinois and I was elated that she joined my staff here," Hulsmeyer says. "She has a tremendous work ethic and dedication to the kids she coaches. In addition to having Big Ten coaching experience, her outgoing and supportive personality will fit in extremely well with our players and program."

A native of Puerto Rico, Baez now resides in West Lafayette, Ind.