Jan
13
Barker Recognized as Volleyball Coach of the Year
January 13, 2012 | | Leave a Comment
Pine Tree ISD School Board members recognized Leven Barker at their January board meeting. Athletic Director Fitzhenry congratulated him on earning the All East Texas Coach of the Year for Volleyball.
By the numbers: Barker has a career record of 385-182, including a 118-52 worksheet at Pine Tree in four seasons. His 2011 Lady Pirates opened the season with six straight wins before dropping back-to-back decisions to Rockwall Heath and Plano Prestonwood in the Garland Tournament. A sweep of Carthage started a six-game winning streak that was halted by Argyle in the Nacogdoches Tournament on Aug. 20, but that was the last loss for Pine Tree until Oct. 29 when the Lady Pirates fell to Rowlett in a playoff tune-up game.
The 24-match winning streak included victories over Class 5A Tyler Lee, crosstown rival Longview (twice) and Class 2A state semifinalist White Oak. It also included a spotless 14-0 record in District 14-4A play to give the Lady Pirates a district championship. Pine Tree opened the playoffs with a four-set win over Mount Pleasant, but fell to Waxahachie in four sets in the area round to finish with a 37-5 record.
“He pushes us hard in practice. He helped me a lot, and I got a lot better. He stayed after practice almost every day helping whoever with whatever they needed. This year he was a little more laid back. He was still strict and stayed on is, but he helped us focus on one game at a time. He also helped us get meaner and tougher on the court. He was a great coach, and all of the seniors will miss him a lot.” — Lady Pirate senior Lauren Cude