Katie Barnes

Early life and education Barnes was born in Mason, Ohio on August 29, 1980 and attended Mason High School, graduating in 1998. In 2002, Barnes earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies from West Virginia University.

Career

Athletics While studying at West Virginia University from 1998–2001, Barnes played for the university's women's soccer team, starting in every game during her tenure.

Barnes was also a member of the United States women's national under-21 soccer team, where she helped win three Nordic Cups. That year, the Courage won the 2002 WUSA Founders Cup. and was nominated to play in the WUSA All-Star Game. WUSA folded after the 2003 season.

Barnes also played in the United Soccer League for the Cincinnati Ladyhawks.

Coaching In 2004, Barnes joined the University of Alabama as an assistant coach, a position she held four seasons.

Law enforcement After coaching at the University of Alabama, Barnes moved back to Mason, Ohio to begin a career in law enforcement, starting with a position as a corrections officer. As of 2012, she was a deputy sheriff with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. In 2016, she received a potentially fatal gunshot wound, though she survived the attack.

Honors In 2012, Barnes was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame.