DENTON, Texas (Aug. 12, 2018) - Texas Woman's University Director of Athletics Chalese Connors announced Sunday the hiring of Amber Barker as the Pioneers' new Head Softball Coach.
 
"We are very excited to welcome Amber to our Pioneer family," Connors said. "Her energy, positivity and drive for excellence made her rise to the top as we moved through this national search. She connects so well with her student-athletes and is a builder of a strong team culture that wins on and off the field." 
 
Barker joins TWU following two seasons at Albany State University where she compiled an overall record of 54-47. In 2018, Barker guided the Golden Rams to their first SIAC Championship and the first NCAA regional berth since 2013. ASU also finished the year with a perfect 19-0 record in conference play, the first such accomplishment in school history. Her team's grade point average was a 3.30, and they logged nearly 100 hours of community service in the Albany, Georgia, area last year. 
 
She previously held the same position at Darton State College where she compiled a 41-54 overall record from 2014-16. From 2012-14, Barker held a dual role as assistant softball coach and academic advisor at The University of Texas at Dallas. She began her coaching career at Louisiana Tech University where she was an assistant coach for five years.
 
"I would like to thank Mrs. Chalese Connors and the entire search committee for this amazing opportunity. What I knew about TWU as an outsider - the pride and tradition of winning, the high level of expectations of academic success in the classroom, and the welcoming family atmosphere - became very apparent once I stepped onto campus," stated Barker.
 
"The mission and values of the university were right in line with the values I hold personally and professionally. I would be remiss if I did not thank Darton State College/Albany State University for allowing me the opportunity to grow as a young professional. Albany, Georgia, and those I worked with will truly be missed, but what a dream come true to be able to return to the Lone Star State and at such a phenomenal institution. I am looking forward to being part of the Pioneer family," Barker concluded.
 
Barker is a former softball student-athlete at Louisiana Tech where she was a four-year varsity starter. As a Lady Techster, she set a record for most hits in a single season. Regarded as one of the top outfielders in the Western Atlantic Conference, Barker earned all-league honors twice and ended her playing career as one of the top three base stealers in the program's history. She also excelled as a student and was a four-time All-WAC Academic selection.
 
Barker also has international coaching and playing experience, having the opportunity to travel to Asia in both 2010 and 2014.
 
Barker holds a master's degree in counseling and guidance as well a bachelor's degree in journalism, both from Louisiana Tech University. She is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and the Alliance of Women Coaches. She is a graduate of the 2018 NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #44 held in Denver.