Alumni Spotlight: Brad Baca

Alumni Spotlight: Brad Baca

Growing up the son of a Texas high school football coach, Brad Baca (’06), has never been a stranger to locker rooms, practices and the thrill of game day. Most recently, however, his game day had him spinning the wheel instead of running the ball. In April, the Sam Houston State University alumnus was a competitor on the iconic game show, “Wheel of Fortune,” and walked away from the once-in-a-lifetime experience with $80,000 and free trips to New Zealand and Norway for himself and his family.

“It honestly felt surreal. I’ve watched Wheel of Fortune since I was five years old with my grandmother, so standing on that stage was special,” Baca said.

But before he was rubbing shoulders with Vanna White and swapping high school football stories with Ryan Seacrest, he was leading student athletes to victory on and off the football field. Having played through high school as well as on the Bearkat Football team (2003-2006), and thanks to all those years watching his father, Baca has a lifetime of knowledge and experience to impart.

“Growing up around football and athletics, I saw firsthand the impact coaches and educators can have on young people,” he said. “Education and coaching gave me an opportunity to lead, mentor and build relationships that extend far beyond the field.”

It was through one of his father’s meaningful connections with 2003 Bearkat offensive coordinator Jimmy Ferguson that Baca came to SHSU to earn his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science. While at Sam, the running back spent most of his time juggling the responsibilities that came with his student-athlete status. Despite that, he made time to be involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and cheer on his fellow Bearkat student-athletes.

“Sam felt like a place where I could continue competing in football while also preparing for my future professionally,” Baca said. “Being part of the Bearkat Football program taught me discipline, accountability, teamwork and time management, all of which still impact my career today. I appreciated the strong sense of tradition, community and support within the university; it gave me an opportunity to grow both as a student-athlete and as a leader.”

Once he graduated, Baca decided to foster that sort of environment for high school student-athletes, and holding coaching and athletic leadership positions in schools across the state. In 2024, he put the Master of Educational Leadership degree he earned from former Bearkat Football rival, Stephen F. Austin, to work as assistant principal of Atlanta ISD in Atlanta, TX in 2024. While he has enjoyed being part of the administrative team and the leadership opportunities that have come with it, his heart belongs on the field, leading to his recent move to Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana to serve as their offensive line coach.  

“The most rewarding part is seeing students grow over time, both athletically and personally. Watching former players and students succeed later in life is one of the best parts of the profession. Jaylon Jimmerson, former Bearkat defensive back, was one of my high school players at Pittsburg High School (Pittsburg, TX). It was neat seeing everything come full circle as I got to watch him play against Liberty University in 2024.”

Just as his former coaches and teammates have done, Baca is still connected with many of his former players, all of whom were excited to see “Coach Baca” win big on “Wheel of Fortune.” Through fun messages with his former players, current students, coworkers, friends and community, he was able to celebrate his time on-air with everyone he loves. He also had an extra outpouring of support as he solved the Bonus Round puzzle, resulting in roaring applause from the audience.

With the school year coming to a close and his family’s two overseas vacations on the horizon, Baca is looking forward to some time away before he dives back into his passion for coaching.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, traveling and recharging a little during the summer. When students return, I always look forward to the energy and excitement that comes with a new school year and new opportunities to help students succeed,” he said.