WEST LIBERTY — Treasure Fields, founding coach of West Liberty University’s fast-rising Acrobatics & Tumbling team, is leaving the hilltop to accept a position on the staff of Baylor University’s national championship program.

“This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make,” said Fields, who led the Lady Hilltoppers to a Mountain East Conference Tournament berth this spring in just their second season of varsity competition.

“The administration at WLU trusted me to build something that will create new opportunities for young women across the country and were incredibly supportive from Day One. I will always be grateful for that.”

Baylor, which kicked off its run to the 2019 NCATA championship with a season-opening win at West Liberty, has established itself as the premier program in the rapidly-growing sport. This year’s triumph was the fifth consecutive national championship for legendary coach Felecia Mulkey’s Bears, who carry a 30-match winning streak into the 2020 season.

“I am very excited to be working with such a powerhouse program,” Fields said. “Baylor and Coach Mulkey have been so supportive of me since I joined the NCATA coaching ranks that it’s an honor to have the chance to work alongside them. It’s absolutely a dream come true.”

Fields was introduced as West Liberty’s first Acrobatics and Tumbling coach in December 2016 and quickly hit the recruiting trail in preparation for the Hilltoppers’ varsity debut in March 2018. The hard work and attention to detail paid off as last year’s WLU squad posted the first triangular sweep in school history and produced the program’s first MEC Athlete of the Week along with four All-MEC selections.

“It’s hard to leave the university and my student-athletes, who I will miss terribly,” Fields said, “but we always talked about the importance of leaving a legacy that would set a standard for the future and I know the veterans on this team will continue to raise the bar. West Liberty and the people in the Acrobatics and Tumbling program will always be my family.”

West Liberty athletic director Lynn Ullom said a search for Fields’ successor would begin immediately.

“We are deeply appreciative of Treasure’s work in establishing our Acrobatics and Tumbling program and laying a solid base for future success,” Ullom said. “We are sorry to see her leave but it’s a tremendous opportunity for her to learn from one of the best in Felecia Mulkey. We wish her nothing but the best.”