Katie Barnett is leaving Hood College after serving as head coach of the men’s and women’s volleyball teams to become associate director of athletics at McDaniel College. Hood College announced the move Aug. 8, 2026. The department will conduct separate searches for its next men’s volleyball coach and women’s volleyball coach, while assistant coach Jason Lewis will serve as interim head coach of the women’s team this season.
Barnett joined the Hood College women’s volleyball staff as head coach in 2022 and built the men’s volleyball program from the ground up. During her first two years at Hood, she also served as a staff council member, specialty events coordinator and coordinator of the college’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
Katie Barnett’s Hood College volleyball tenure
Under Barnett, the Hood College women’s volleyball team recorded 56 wins, including 19 victories in Middle Atlantic Conference play. In the most recent season, the team defeated Widener to clinch a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth playoff berth for the first time since 2016. Ann Ofoegbu earned consecutive Second Team All-MAC selections during Barnett’s tenure and became a member of the 1,000-kill club. Anna Daley, Maria Ricketts, Ainslee Barger and Jackie Malitzki also entered the Hood College women’s volleyball record books during that period.
The Hood College men’s volleyball team won its inaugural match and increased its win total in subsequent seasons. Outside hitter Charlie Casas ranked in the top five for the program in kills and points per set.
Hood College plans two coaching searches
Hood College will conduct separate searches for its next men’s volleyball coach and women’s volleyball coach. Jason Lewis, an assistant coach, will lead the women’s volleyball team on an interim basis this season.
Barnett’s new role at McDaniel College
At McDaniel College, Barnett will serve as senior woman administrator and handle NCAA compliance and student-athlete welfare. Her departure ends her leadership of both Hood College volleyball programs.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Hood College must fill two volleyball coaching positions after Katie Barnett’s departure. The women’s program enters the transition following its first Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth playoff berth since 2016, while Jason Lewis will provide interim leadership for the women’s team this season.
Source: Original report
