Former Bear Zach Barnes has returned to Southwest to begin his coaching career by serving as a volunteer assistant for the men’s basketball team.
Barnes attended Jim Hill High School before transferring to and graduating from Florence High School. He attended Southwest in 2015-17 and was a part of the Bears’ 2015-16 state title season.
Barnes said he was “Excited to be back (at Southwest) and to start (my) coaching career. I want to see Southwest win another championship.”
Barnes said some people had expected him to attempt to play professionally, but “coaching became something I was really interested in. I love being around people and (helping) make them better.”
Bears head coach Bryan Bender said Barnes “is a Southwest guy, having played for (former head coach) Thomas Gray and (former assistant coach) Andy Farrell. They both spoke volumes of his character, leadership skills and how he is a master in his role. He has the ability to connect with everyone, jump into our players’ bodies and knows how they feel.”
Bender also said that “Having played here and won a championship and continued his career and education at Mississippi Valley State, he is very familiar with this program and the state of Mississippi, specifically the Jackson area. He is the ultimate team player and is a great addition to our staff.”
After receiving his A. A. degree from Southwest in 2017, Barnes next attended Mississippi Valley State University. He sat out the 2017-18 season before spending 2018-20 as a player for the Delta Devils. He graduated in 2019 with a B. A. degree in General Studies and said he is “excited to be back home” at Southwest.
Former Bear Zach Barnes back as volunteer assistant for men’s basketball
