Jan. 31, 2005

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Furman head women's soccer coach Andrew Burr announced the hiring of former Lady Paladin goalkeeper Melissa Barnes as assistant coach Monday.

"Melissa Barnes was a tremendous player and leader as a student-athlete at Furman and will be a great addition to our program as an assistant coach," said Burr. "She brings with her a wealth of soccer knowledge and will be particularly helpful in working with our goalkeepers."

Barnes, a native of Prospect, Ky., played in and started 70 games in goal for the Lady Paladins from 1998-2001 and was recently named to the Furman Women's Soccer All-Decade Team. The South Oldham High product earned All-Southern Conference honors three times, was a two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll pick and earned 1998 Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region Freshmen Team honors.

"I am very excited to get the opportunity to return to Furman and work with Andrew and the Lady Paladin program," said Barnes. "I look forward to working with our team and helping the program as we transition into the 2005 season."

During her four years at Furman, Barnes guided the Lady Paladins to a 66-21-1 overall record and 33-3 Southern Conference mark. Barnes helped the Lady Paladins claim three SoCon regular season titles, one tournament title and earn two NCAA Tournament berths. The four-year starter holds the Lady Paladin career record for saves (342) and ranks second on the all-time ledger with 23 shutouts and a 1.15 goals against average.

Barnes, who graduated from Furman in 2002 with a B.A. in Spanish, served as head varsity girls' coach at Spartanburg Day School in 2002 and 2003 before joining the University of South Dakota coaching staff in 2004. Barnes also worked with Burr and the Lady Paladin program as a volunteer assistant during the 2002 campaign.