September 13, 2007

Jeb Barber Selected as New Head Men's Basketball Coach at Gallaudet University 

WASHINGTON, DC - Gallaudet Interim Athletic Director Mike Weinstock announced today the selection of John Barber as the new Men's Basketball Head Coach/Program Coordinator.  "Today is G-Day, meaning a Great Day for Gallaudet Athletics! I'm excited to have John join our coaches and also look forward to the experience he brings to our growing pool of talent!" Weinstock commented.

Jeb comes to Gallaudet from Villa Julie College, where he was the Assistant Athletic Director, Sports Information Director, Head Coach of Men's Tennis and Head Assistant Coach of Men's Basketball.

Barber joined the Villa Julie athletics staff after graduating from VJC.  He was the Head Basketball Assistant for 6 years under long-time coach Brett Adams.  His basketball duties included being the chief recruiter as well as planning and execution of day-to-day practices. He was an integral part of taking a team that was 7-18 the year before he joined the coaching staff to a team that went 58-27 over the last three years.  Under his assistance the Mustangs earned an At-Large berth to the NCAA Tournament in 2006, and an Automatic Berth after winning the North Eastern Athletic Conference Championship in 2007.  In 2006 the Mustangs made it to the round of 32, but fell to William Patterson University.  The two NCAA tournament appearances are the first in the school's history in men's basketball.

For the last three years Barber had great success with the Men's Tennis program as the head coach.  Over his time with the Mustangs, the tennis team earned a 28-14 record and was undefeated in its conference (NEAC) for the first two seasons. Barber was tabbed NEAC Coach of the Year twice, following the Mustangs' second consecutive championship.
 
As a student-athlete, Barber was a two-year letter-winner at Montgomery College-Rockville for their Men's Basketball team.  His first year at the school, he sat behind All-American Jason Maskiri who later became a first-team all-conference player at George Mason University.  That year the team finished fourth in the nation.  As a sophomore Barber earned more playing time and the team finished the year 6th in the nation.  That same year he earned the "Don't Quit" award for getting the most out of his talent and always giving his all.  He then transferred to Villa Julie College and was a two-year starter in basketball, and led the team in assists (2000-2001) and in charges taken (1999-2001).  He also was the #1 seed for singles and doubles on the tennis team. 

Jeb and his wife, Tricia, reside in Eldersburg, MD with their daughter, Cali, and are expecting their second child in October. Barber will begin his duties at Gallaudet on September 24th.

Release run with permission from the Gallaudet sports information office.