From NYU Athletics
Meg Barber has been hired as New York University's 11th Head Women's Basketball Coach, it was announced on Tuesday, June 5.
A 2002 NYU graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, Barber takes over the reins of the women's basketball program possessing a wealth of college coaching experience.
In her most recent position, Barber served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Temple University from 2012-16. In her four seasons there, Barber helped lead the Owls to consecutive 20-win seasons and berths in the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in 2015 and 2016. Two of the players she recruited went on to earn All-Freshman Team honors in the American Athletic Conference as Temple produced an overall 71-63 record during her tenure.
Prior to Temple, Barber also worked at the Division I level as the Associate Head Coach at The College of William & Mary from 2005-12. She oversaw all recruiting efforts for The Tribe, who produced the largest Division I turnaround in the nation from the year before she arrived (5-24 in 2004-05) to 16-13 in her first season (2005-06). The following season, Barber helped lead the team to a 20-win season (20-12).
During her seven years at William & Mary, Barber helped develop Kyra Kaylor, the Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) Player of the Year in 2006, Taysha Pye, a four-time All-CAA selection (2009-12), and Tiffany Benson, the CAA's all-time leading shot blocker.
"I am so pleased that Meg Barber has agreed to return to Washington Square as the New York University Head Women's Basketball Coach," said Christopher Bledsoe, NYU's Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics. "Coach Barber is everything we look for in a head coach coupled with her experience as a stellar NYU student and student-athlete. She is an experienced coach, recruiter and most importantly, a leader. Under her direction, each women's basketball player will succeed personally, academically and athletically while tapping the great resources of NYU to build a strong foundation for life after graduation. We are fortunate to have Meg Barber back at NYU where she belongs."
A four-year member of the Violets who is 10th on the team's all-time scoring list with 1,228 points, Barber served as a captain during her senior campaign and was twice selected First Team All-UAA (University Athletic Association). She was also named First Team All-ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) and Second Team D3hoops.com All-Region in 2002. The Violets earned postseason berths all four seasons, including two NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearances and two NY/NJ ECAC Championships. NYU rose to #1 in the national rankings during the 2000-01 season and posted an overall record of 93-18 during Barber's career.
"It is such a special opportunity to come back home to lead the women's basketball program at NYU," Barber said. "Words cannot describe how much it means to be back at NYU and to give back to a place that I love and want to represent. I am elated to join the rich tradition of NYU athletics, the women's basketball program and this amazing university. This program and university captured my heart from the moment I stepped on campus, and I am thrilled to lead the next chapter of NYU women's basketball. We are going to have a program and a team that people are going to be proud of, and I am excited to get started with a great group of young women."
Barber, who went on to earn a Master of Science degree in sports business in 2015 from Temple and is currently a Candidate for Juris Doctor at the Temple University Beasley School of Law, is a native of Hoosick Falls, NY.
What They Are Saying About Meg Barber:
Janice Quinn, NYU Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Head Coach of NYU's 1997 NCAA National Championship Women's Basketball Team
"We could not be more pleased that Meg has returned home to NYU. I have such tremendous confidence in the leadership and guidance she will provide to the women in the program. Her sheer toughness and will to win have always stood out, even among the very best all-time NYU players. Her experience as an exceptional NYU student-athlete, together with a decade and a half of Division I collegiate coaching make her an ideal leader for NYU Basketball. I am personally so proud of Meg and remember so fondly the very first time I watched her play as a high school student in Hoosick Falls. Now, I can't wait to watch her first game as the NYU Head Coach."
Courtney Banghart, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Princeton University
"Meg is one of the great ones in this business. She loves the game, but more importantly she sees the collegiate basketball journey as an extension of the educational mission of the undergraduate experience. Meg is a teacher, a mentor and a leader who will inspire the best in and from others. What a great hire for NYU! To be able to bring back one of their own, someone who once walked in the same shoes as the players she will soon coach, is such an advantage to the opportunity ahead. I'm so excited for Meg and look forward to being a big fan of the Violets!"
Jamion Christian, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Siena College/Former Men's Assistant, William & Mary
"Meg has been such an inspirational person in my life and I am looking forward to watching her do the same for others as the NYU Head Coach. Her ability to relate to players and understand them is truly unique. I've always felt like a players' coach had the best ability to impact players' lives. With Meg Barber, NYU is getting an exceptional leader and a person players will love to play for day in and day out."
Debbie Taylor, Former Head Women's Basketball Coach, William & Mary
"Meg is a shining star! A skilled teacher, brilliant tactician and exceptional recruiter. But, more importantly, she is a strong leader, caring mentor and exemplary role model for young women. NYU has hit the jackpot!"