University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Women's Lacrosse Coach Resigns
August 19, 2002 | Women's Lacrosse
Aug. 19, 2002
AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ian McCaw announced today that Phil Barnes, head coach of the Minutewoman lacrosse program, has resigned his position to become an assistant coach at Cornell (N.Y.) University. A nationwide search for Barnes' successor will begin immediately.
"We appreciate Coach Barnes' contributions to our women's lacrosse program over the last six years, and wish him the best as he pursues his professional and academic goals at Cornell," McCaw said.
Barnes fashioned a three-year record of 24-25 (.490) as head coach at UMass, including an 8-8 mark in 2002 and a spot in the A-10 Tournament semifinals. In his first season on the sideline, Barnes guided the Minutewomen to a share of the Atlantic 10's regular-season title, the A-10 Tournament title and a 10-7 record. For his efforts in his rookie season, Barnes earned regional coach of the year honors. His second UMass squad finished 6-10, but advanced to the semifinals of the A-10 Tournament.
"I would like to thank everyone at UMass for a wonderful experience over the past six years," Barnes said. "I believe the UMass women's lacrosse program in good position to be successful in the coming years."
Prior to assuming the head coaching position, he was an assistant at UMass under Francesca McClellan from 1997 to 1999. He came to UMass from Holy Cross, where he guided the Crusaders from 1996-97. Barnes led Holy Cross to a 5-9 record in his first season at the helm and earned Patriot League Coach of the Year honors.
A 1995 graduate of Assumption College, Barnes served as an assistant coach at his alma mater before moving to Holy Cross. He also served as the men's varsity assistant coach at Souhegan High School in Amherst, N.H.
The current chairman of the NCAA Northeast Regional Ranking Committee and a member of the 2002 Northeast Regional All-America Committee, Barnes played collegiate lacrosse at Assumption and was instrumental in the formation of New Hampshire's Milford-Amherst Lacrosse Club.
