Senior Feature: Pari Baker

Pari Baker, an animal science major, is wrapping up a stand-out career with Tennessee Rowing. She has earned Big 12 All – Conference honors in each of the last three seasons. As a freshman she rowed the seventh seat in the 1V8 at the Big 12 Championship where the team finished third. During her junior campaign she was part of the crew that finished fifth in the Women's Championship 4+ at the 2017 Head of the Charles Regatta, as well as notching third place with the 1V8 in the grand finals of the Big 12 Championship in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Baker's favorite rowing memory to date was edging out Oklahoma last year.

"At the San Diego Crew Classic last year, my boat edged out Oklahoma by one second after a neck-and-neck battle down the course," said Baker. "It was the first time in many years that Tennessee beat Oklahoma, and it was one of the most painful races I've ever done, but it was totally worth it."

After graduation, the Ontario native plans to pursue a career in wildlife research in the reproductive biology linked to endangered species.

Fun Facts:
What does being a graduate of the University of Tennessee mean to you?
I am now part of the Lady Vol legacy and proud to be a VFL!

Rowing accomplishment you're most proud of:
Breaking 7:00 minutes on our annual 2,000 meter erg (ergometer) test

Favorite Knoxville restaurant:
Chaiyo Thai & Sushi Bar

One random fact that amazes you each time you think of it?
Did you know that Santa Claus' reindeer are actually females? Reindeer are unique in the fact that the males lose their antlers during the winter and the females actually keep them past Christmas!

Favorite sports figure:
Roger Federer

Movie you can watch over and over:
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

University of Tennessee Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Pari Baker

Related Videos