On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Liberian basketball community witnessed a turning point. Wellay Baar, also known as “Well Drogba,” became the first woman to coach in the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) Division One. With her team Spartacus dominating the Highway Kings in a 74-41 statement win, Baar proved that talent, leadership, and determination know no gender.

Her appointment wasn’t symbolic, it was strategic and earned. Spartacus, a club she guided from the third division to the first, is now among the most talked-about teams in Liberian basketball.

Who Is Wellay Baar?

Wellay Baar is not new to the game. She’s a player, a coach, and a force in Liberian sports. Her journey began at AME Zion University, where she coached and collected championship titles. She currently plays for the Commission Women’s Team, Liberia’s most successful women’s basketball club.

Because of LBA regulations prohibiting active players from coaching within their own division, Baar made a bold choice: take the challenge to the men’s game. And it paid off.

A Coach on the Rise: From Third to First

Spartacus’ rise under Baar is remarkable. In a sport where team progress is often slow and bogged down by resource limitations, she led Spartacus from the third division to top-tier status in a short span. Each step was tactical.

Her coaching strategy emphasizes speed, tight defensive structure, and efficient transitions. Against the Highway Kings, she implemented a full-court press and quick substitutions to maintain tempo, something rare but effective in the league.

Breaking Barriers, Setting Examples

Wellay Baar’s achievement goes beyond sports. For more than 30 years, men have exclusively led top-division teams in Liberia. Her presence changes the narrative. According to LBA Secretary General Calvin Diggs, she is currently the only woman head coach in the league.

“We often see female coaches leading men’s teams in Europe,” said Diggs. “Now Liberia has its own example. Our young women should take note and follow.”

Learning from Mentors, Building Her Style

Baar credits Solomon George, former Montserrado County Representative, as a mentor. Under his guidance, she learned how to manage teams, plan games, and lead players.

Her coaching style is disciplined, clear, and motivational. The players in interviews explain that Spartacus achieved success because of her ability to notice details and make game-related changes.

Women in African Sports: The Bigger Picture

Wellay Baar’s success matches the broader development of women in sports leadership throughout the continent. Women across Nigeria and Kenya are successfully entering sports leadership positions. Liberia is now part of this progress.

In fact, Baar’s impact could open doors for others. University programs and youth clubs are now considering leadership workshops focused on coaching for women, citing Baar as a real-life success story.

Early Life and Love for Basketball

Born and raised in Monrovia, Baar started playing basketball in her early teens. Her love for the game was evident from the start, but few imagined she’d one day be coaching a men’s Division One team.

She often recalls playing barefoot on concrete courts, driven by a simple goal: to win. That hunger hasn’t changed.

Spartacus Under Baar: A New Identity

The team Spartacus operated as an ordinary team before Baar took over its leadership. Under Baar, they’ve become a unit. The team demonstrates aggressive defensive strategies and fluid offensive movements while maintaining a clear objective. The team demonstrates belief as their most important quality.

The players under Baar express their appreciation for her faith in their abilities. A player revealed that Coach Baar ignores both origin and outside opinions when making decisions. She will support anyone who demonstrates dedication to their work.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

The 2025-26 season will focus on Baar as the main point of interest. Will Baar lead Spartacus to achieve playoff success? Her narrative has the potential to transform how society views female leadership in sports.

She has already achieved a historic milestone regardless of the upcoming events. The backboard ceiling has been shattered. The court is open for the next generation.