JILL BARRETT NAMED FHS HEAD ASSISTANT SBALL

Dr. Matthew Wendt, Superintendent of Schools, has recommended the hire of Jill Barrett as the Head Assistant Softball Coach for Fayetteville High School. Pending Board of Education approval, Barrett will join the coaching staff on July 1, 2017.

“In another win for our softball program, we will bring to the team Jill Barrett, whose experience playing at the collegiate and professional levels, coaching and teaching will inspire and positively influence our student-athletes,” said Dr. Wendt. “I am excited to have Jill join the Fayetteville family. I am even more excited that Fayetteville girls interested in softball can be taught and coached by a person with incredible experience and impeccable credentials.”

Barrett played professional softball with the Akron Racers in 2014-2015, and the Chicago Bandits in 2016. She competed on the USA Women’s National Baseball Team from 2012-2014 and competed in the Baseball World Cup in 2012 and 2013.

“I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of the Fayetteville Athletic Department and, more importantly, the Lady Bulldog softball team,” said Barrett. “As a nationally ranked athletic program, Bulldog athletics are second to none. Hard work and determination have led me down many paths and helped me achieve my goals. After seven years of collegiate and professional softball, I am thrilled to be living out my next dream."

"I want to thank Dr. Wendt, Mr. Janski, and the Fayetteville Athletic Department for allowing me to continue to do what I love, grow the game and inspire players to fulfill their passions and dreams while becoming exceptional young women in everything they do,” Barrett continued. “I will bring competitiveness, fire, and excitement to the already prestigious Bulldog program, and I am beyond excited to start my journey in Fayetteville – Go Bulldogs!”

“We are extremely excited to add Jill Barrett to our softball staff,” said Director of Athletics Steve Janski. “The combination of Sue Carpenter’s vast college experience, coupled with the professional playing experience that Jill brings, will equal a truly one-of-a-kind experience for our softball players. I am really happy to know Fayetteville girls will have this opportunity.”

Barrett has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science and Deaf Education, and a master’s in education from the University of Tulsa.

In addition to coaching softball, Jill Barrett will teach physical education at Washington Elementary School. “What a great opportunity to be able to coach at FHS and teach at one of the best elementary schools,” commented Barrett. “Dreams do come true. I am a teacher and a coach, and I am so excited to start.”

“I am thrilled to have Jill Barrett on staff as my head assistant coach. She will bring a wealth of softball knowledge and experience to our program,” said incoming Head Softball Coach Sue Carpenter. “While coaching at Arkansas, I knew Jill from competing against her when she was playing at Tulsa. She stood out to me because she was a great competitor and teammate, and she flat out loves the game. That, along with her experience as a collegiate and pro athlete, are the tangible qualities that I know will be passed on to our athletes and will help this program flourish.”

The Department of Athletics will host a reception to introduce Head Softball Coach Sue Carpenter and Head Assistant Coach Jill Barrett on Thursday, May 25. The occasion is set for 6 p.m. and will be held in the Athletic Hospitality Room in the FPS Athletic Offices at 915 Clinton Avenue.

"I could not ask for a better outcome for our softball program. I want to again extend my gratitude to Steve Janski for his ability to bring quality people to FPS,” stated Dr. Wendt. “Steve’s leadership, vision, and personal relationships with people across the nation are integral to further enhancing our athletic program. Furthermore, the school district was able to match two excellent coaches and teachers with open teaching positions. Congratulations to everyone for a job well done. It is another great day in Fayetteville Public Schools!”