University of Hawai’i’s women’s basketball head coach Laura Beeman announced the hiring of Linnae Barber to her inaugural coaching staff. Barber is the third and final addition needed to complete the staff for the 2012-13 season.

Barber comes to Hawai’i after spending five seasons as an assistant coach at one of her alma maters, the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. The Cougars are one of the most successful junior colleges in the state, winning 13 Western State Conference Championships—including the last seven in a row. As a player, Barber averaged a double-double in points and rebounds in her two-year COC career while earning all-conference honors as a sophomore. Barber then matriculated to Texas A&M Kingsville where she finished her collegiate career. She averaged 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds as a senior for the Javelinas. Barber earned her Bachelor of Science degree in human development and family studies in 2006. She later earned her Master of Arts degree in psychology with an emphasis in sports-exercise psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2010.

As an assistant coach at COC, Barber had many responsibilities, including handling individual player development for both guards and post players; helping to create practice and game plans; running the strength and conditioning program; scouting opponents; recruiting student-athletes while monitoring their academic progress; and developing a positive public relations program which included active involvement with fund-raising, promotional activities, and community events.

This past year, Barber also served as a head coach at the West Coast Premier Basketball Academy and was the strength and conditioning coach for the Hart High School girls basketball team. Barber also worked at the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (CCCWBCA) as the Sophomore Showcase coordinator.

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