Skip to main content
KINGSPORT, TENN. – Kingsport City Schools has announced the appointment of Stephen Baker and Michelle Baker as head coaches for the inaugural Unified Bowling team at Dobyns-Bennett High School, effective immediately.
The Unified Sports program pairs KCS students with disabilities (athletes) with their non-disabled peers (partners) to compete on the same team at a competitive level. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together quickly leads to friendship and understanding.
“Stephen Baker is what Kingsport is all about. He went to school here, he stayed here, and now he is giving back to our students and this community,” said KCS SPED Athletic Coordinator, Nick Lingerfelt. "I know what kind of character he brings to the table and there is no one I'd rather have to lead our first group."
The Unified Sports program pairs KCS students with disabilities (athletes) with their non-disabled peers (partners) to compete on the same team at a competitive level. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together quickly leads to friendship and understanding.
“Stephen Baker is what Kingsport is all about. He went to school here, he stayed here, and now he is giving back to our students and this community,” said KCS SPED Athletic Coordinator, Nick Lingerfelt. "I know what kind of character he brings to the table and there is no one I'd rather have to lead our first group."
The Unified Bowling team is composed of five students with disabilities (athletes) paired with five students without disabilities (partners) to compete in the upcoming TSSAA sanctioned bowling regional tournament held on December 6, 2023 in Knoxville.
"I am equally excited to have his wife, Michelle on board. Anytime you can hire a person with a state championship on their resume and is also a quality individual, you have to do that," said Lingerfelt. "I am thrilled to work alongside them to see what we can accomplish in our inaugural Unified Bowling season."
A native of Kingsport, Stephen currently serves as Dean of Students at Sevier Middle School. He has been coaching in Kingsport for the past 20+ years in baseball, basketball, and football. Michelle is a senior vice president with over 30 year's experience at a global financial company. In addition, Michelle has 10 years of bowling experience earning state titles in both doubles and team. The Bakers have been married 25 years and have three graduates from Kingsport City Schools.
If interested in learning more about Unified Sports, to volunteer, or to sponsor a team, please click here or contact Nick Lingerfelt at [email protected].
"I am equally excited to have his wife, Michelle on board. Anytime you can hire a person with a state championship on their resume and is also a quality individual, you have to do that," said Lingerfelt. "I am thrilled to work alongside them to see what we can accomplish in our inaugural Unified Bowling season."
A native of Kingsport, Stephen currently serves as Dean of Students at Sevier Middle School. He has been coaching in Kingsport for the past 20+ years in baseball, basketball, and football. Michelle is a senior vice president with over 30 year's experience at a global financial company. In addition, Michelle has 10 years of bowling experience earning state titles in both doubles and team. The Bakers have been married 25 years and have three graduates from Kingsport City Schools.
If interested in learning more about Unified Sports, to volunteer, or to sponsor a team, please click here or contact Nick Lingerfelt at [email protected].
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,900 students.
KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Twitter (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).