Barnett takes over Lady Mustangs' basketball program
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
DODSONVILLE — The Lynchburg-Clay Lady Mustangs girls basketball program is changing. With the retirement last year of Linda Hatten, there is a new leader of the program, former player and JV coach Tiffany Barnett.
Barnett graduated from Lynchburg-Clay in 2003, and since she's graduated, she's been coaching in some form for the Lady Mustangs' program. She was a junior high coach for two seasons, and for the last two years she was the JV coach for LC.
Now it is her turn to take over at the top level for the storied LC program.
"I guess I knew what to expect last year," Barnett said when asked what taking over the program has been like. "Linda helped me a lot last year in the transition, so that made it easier."
Barnett knew the varsity roster from last year … her JV players practiced with the varsity team, plus she was on the bench the last two seasons during varsity games.
"Our JV kids always worked with the varsity girls in practice, so I already knew the girls on the team, which helps. Plus, I've coached some of them on the JV team."
One thing Barnett said she didn't expect was all the behind-the-scenes work.
"The stuff away from the court is time-consuming," she said. "What I didn't expect was so much paperwork and meetings."
But playing and coaching under Hatten in the past, Barnett said she knew the tradition of the LC program, and how it worked to be as successful as it has become.
"I know how practices went, and again, that made the entire transition much easier," Barnett said. "Having the opportunity to learn under Linda, as a fellow coach, was big for me. She's a great mentor."
Barnett knows she's taking over for a legendary coach not only in Highland County, but in the state, with Hatten earning over 350 wins as a head coach in 20-plus seasons.
"It's hard to be the first one to follow her," Barnett said. "There is a lot to live up to. Linda's built a strong program, and I have high expectations. The girls and myself hope to carry on that high standard."
Hatten spoke about her former player becoming the new head coach for the Lady Mustangs.
"Coach Barnett is a hard worker both as a player and coach. She is always trying to learn and improve. She is committed to the team concept, and she will expect the same from her players. She is also very committed to LCHS and the Lady Mustangs," Hatten said. "Her commitment drives her, and she will do whatever it takes to make her players the best they can be.
"Transitioning coaches is a difficult process, especially when the change comes 22 years later, but I believe in Coach Barnett and her abilities. I also know that she will give this coaching job the best shot she's got. She has always been successful, and I am sure she will be in this."
But with a new group of players, Barnett said it has been enjoyable working with them as they prepare for the upcoming season.
"They are a enjoyable group of girls to be around. Coaching at this level has more competition, and the players are more experienced. The competition level will be higher, and I am looking forward to that," Barnett said.
This will be Barnett's eighth total year at the Lynchburg-Clay school, helping coach in some fashion since she graduated.
"I like coaching a quick-paced, aggressive defense," she said. "It doesn't differ from Linda's. We'll have to alter our play each game. This group has the ability to be a fast team, but the way you coach a team depends on the group each year."
Barnett will lead the Lady Mustangs onto the court for the first time in regular season play on Friday, Nov. 26 at Hillsboro High School when LC faces the Hillsboro Lady Indians in the 6th Annual Highland County Girls Basketball Shootout at 3 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]
Barnett graduated from Lynchburg-Clay in 2003, and since she's graduated, she's been coaching in some form for the Lady Mustangs' program. She was a junior high coach for two seasons, and for the last two years she was the JV coach for LC.
Now it is her turn to take over at the top level for the storied LC program.
"I guess I knew what to expect last year," Barnett said when asked what taking over the program has been like. "Linda helped me a lot last year in the transition, so that made it easier."
Barnett knew the varsity roster from last year … her JV players practiced with the varsity team, plus she was on the bench the last two seasons during varsity games.
"Our JV kids always worked with the varsity girls in practice, so I already knew the girls on the team, which helps. Plus, I've coached some of them on the JV team."
One thing Barnett said she didn't expect was all the behind-the-scenes work.
"The stuff away from the court is time-consuming," she said. "What I didn't expect was so much paperwork and meetings."
But playing and coaching under Hatten in the past, Barnett said she knew the tradition of the LC program, and how it worked to be as successful as it has become.
"I know how practices went, and again, that made the entire transition much easier," Barnett said. "Having the opportunity to learn under Linda, as a fellow coach, was big for me. She's a great mentor."
Barnett knows she's taking over for a legendary coach not only in Highland County, but in the state, with Hatten earning over 350 wins as a head coach in 20-plus seasons.
"It's hard to be the first one to follow her," Barnett said. "There is a lot to live up to. Linda's built a strong program, and I have high expectations. The girls and myself hope to carry on that high standard."
Hatten spoke about her former player becoming the new head coach for the Lady Mustangs.
"Coach Barnett is a hard worker both as a player and coach. She is always trying to learn and improve. She is committed to the team concept, and she will expect the same from her players. She is also very committed to LCHS and the Lady Mustangs," Hatten said. "Her commitment drives her, and she will do whatever it takes to make her players the best they can be.
"Transitioning coaches is a difficult process, especially when the change comes 22 years later, but I believe in Coach Barnett and her abilities. I also know that she will give this coaching job the best shot she's got. She has always been successful, and I am sure she will be in this."
But with a new group of players, Barnett said it has been enjoyable working with them as they prepare for the upcoming season.
"They are a enjoyable group of girls to be around. Coaching at this level has more competition, and the players are more experienced. The competition level will be higher, and I am looking forward to that," Barnett said.
This will be Barnett's eighth total year at the Lynchburg-Clay school, helping coach in some fashion since she graduated.
"I like coaching a quick-paced, aggressive defense," she said. "It doesn't differ from Linda's. We'll have to alter our play each game. This group has the ability to be a fast team, but the way you coach a team depends on the group each year."
Barnett will lead the Lady Mustangs onto the court for the first time in regular season play on Friday, Nov. 26 at Hillsboro High School when LC faces the Hillsboro Lady Indians in the 6th Annual Highland County Girls Basketball Shootout at 3 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]