BRYN MAWR, Pa. - Bryn Mawr College Director of Athletics Kathy Tierney announced the hiring of Kelly Barnes as the new head coach of the Bryn Mawr lacrosse team on Monday, June 27, 2016. Barnes becomes the 11th head coach in the recorded history of the program and brings a tremendously strong background with her to the helm of the program.
"I am very excited to welcome Kelly Barnes into the Bryn Mawr College fold as the Head Lacrosse Coach," Tierney stated. "Kelly brings a background of outstanding playing and leadership experience combined with a profound and exciting vision for Bryn Mawr lacrosse that will help ensure the continued development and success of the program."
"I am humbled to accept the role as Bryn Mawr's Head Lacrosse Coach and excited to continue to build a successful program," said Barnes. "I'd like to thank the students, faculty, and athletic department for this opportunity."
Barnes got her first taste of collegiate lacrosse as a standout player at Georgetown University. A four-year letter winner, Barnes was named Rookie of the Year in her first season with the Hoyas. She was voted onto the watch list for the prestigious Tewaaraton Award for both her junior and senior seasons, and she also received IWLCA All-American honors. A two-year captain for the team, Barnes also was nominated to partake in a national leadership academy and spent almost three years crafting and developing her leadership skills through the program.
Following her time at Georgetown, Barnes continued to turn heads as a member of the USA Women's National Lacrosse Team. She was a member of the 36-player roster training to compete in the 2014 World Cup, and she also received the Aimee Willard Award as the top collegiate player during the 2012 national team tryouts. Barnes also was in the midst of pursuing her master's degree at Saint Joseph's at the same time, where she served as assistant coach for the Hawks lacrosse team for two years.
Barnes has plenty of other experience in the lacrosse world on her resume as well. She spent four years as the Co-founder and coach for GAME LACROSSE LLC, which served to inspire the next generation of lacrosse girls looking to enhance their skills through club teams and clinics. Barnes also played professional lacrosse with Team STX, where she was also elected a captain of the squad. Most recently, Barnes spent a season as a coach for Radnor High School while also serving as a teacher's aide in the special education department.
"I am honored to call Bryn Mawr my new home," Barnes closed enthusiastically. "I am passionate about the values of Bryn Mawr College and plan to foster the traditions and mission of the College within the lacrosse program."