MADISON- Madison Academy has named its new head coach of the Mustangs’ girl’s basketball program. Krista Baldwin has joined the private school after five seasons as assistant coach at UAH.

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by this opportunity, said Baldwin, after her accepting the new position. “The culture of Madison Academy is unlike any school I’ve stepped into and I’m excited to be a part of that family. I’m ready to go to work.”

The position came open after Alissa Flowers announced she would step away as head coach to concentrate on her young family. Flowers was head coach for four seasons where she posted a 102-34 record and appeared in two State Championship games winning one.

Baldwin was an exceptional high school and college player under her maiden name of Stricklin. At nearby Hayden High School of Blount County, she was a three-sport athlete and led the Wildcats in her four seasons in basketball being named All-State four consecutive seasons and piling up 3,155 points, which is the ninth best in AHSAA history. Upon landing a spot at Samford University in Birmingham, she was a four-year starter appearing in more than 120 games scoring more than 700 points and pulling down more than 500 rebounds.

She graduated with a degree in fitness and health promotion and is a strength and conditioning coach. She arrived at UAH where she helped the women’s program for five seasons.

“She brings a lot of energy to her new position,” said Mark Mincher, athletic director at Madison Academy. “She is an outstanding young woman who will have a tremendous impact on and off the court.”

Besides her community volunteer work with Manna House and Lincoln Village Ministries, Baldwin will be awarded a master’s of Science and Supply Chain and Logistics Management from UAH.