Meet Joella Baker
Founder of Get Fit Families · Coach · Race Director
Joella Baker has experienced sport as a college athlete, endurance competitor, parent, and coach. Through Get Fit Families and her work in collegiate triathlon, she helps athletes develop their skills and pursue goals of their own.
Ask a Coaching QuestionA lifelong athlete, with a different perspective
Before college, Joella lettered in cross country and track at Quigley Catholic High School in Baden, Pennsylvania. At Duquesne University she competed in cross country, track, and swimming, and graduated in 1992. She ran her first marathon as a freshman. Her athletic experience later expanded through more marathons, ultramarathons, and triathlons, including representing Team USA at international championships.
Living with lupus became another part of that story. After illness interrupted her training, she gradually returned to running and completed the Pittsburgh Marathon in 2002. In interviews, she has spoken about the importance of staying connected to an active life while navigating her health challenges.
Guidance, encouragement, and room to grow
There is an athlete in all of us.
Joella Baker
Joella’s published coaching philosophy emphasizes guidance toward individual goals, the companionship of training with friends, and the importance of enjoying the sport.
- Personal goals. Coaching that helps athletes work toward their own next step.
- Shared effort. Training alongside others offers encouragement and connection.
- Enjoyment. Challenge and fun both belong in the experience.
From youth development to collegiate triathlon
Joella founded Get Fit Families in 2009. Her work includes coaching young people and adults, developing opportunities to train together, and organizing races.
In 2022, she returned to Duquesne as the founding head coach of its women’s triathlon program. She continues to lead the team, bringing her experience in athlete development to collegiate competition. Get Fit Families and the university team are separate roles. Roster decisions for the Duquesne program belong to the university.
She created the Mighty Moraine race series and directs multisport events in the community. Duquesne describes Mighty Moraine as the largest series of its kind in western Pennsylvania. Read the GFF story for how the organization began.
Recognition and experience
Recent honors recognize her work as a competitor, coach, and advocate for endurance sports, including her commitment to collegiate triathlon.
- 2025. Butler County Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
- 2024. College Triathlon Coaches Association Outstanding Service Award.
- 2019. USA Triathlon Jeff Jewell recognition, presented in spring 2020, for contributions to the sport and serving as a role model.
She holds USA Triathlon Level II coaching and race-directing credentials, youth coaching credentials, and coaching backgrounds in swimming, track and field, and cycling.
Interviews & features
Published interviews and features tell more of her story.
- Tri 2 Listen: Getting Fit Is Just Outside Your Front Door Podcast, 2020
- World Triathlon profile of her personal athletic story Article, 2019
- Duquesne’s Hall of Fame feature Article, 2025
Have a question for Joella?
Whether you’re exploring a new activity or considering your next training goal, contact Get Fit Families to ask about a suitable starting point.