Barney exits program for more family time

"She's just ready to make a change with her life," head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "I think she wants to spend more time with her family. This is a job that's 24/7. She's done a great job, but she's ready to move into something different."

Barney is the seventh assistant to leave the Arizona Wildcats' program for other jobs or for personal reasons since 2003. The coaches are: Todd Holthaus (2007), Lisa Griffith (2006), Shimmy Gray and Toriano Towns (2005), Curtis Lloyd (2004) and Denise Dove Ianello (2003).

Barney, the team's recruiting coordinator, spent seven years with the team. Her other duties included scouting and floor work. Before arriving at Arizona, she was the head coach at Gonzaga University from 1994-2000 and was on the staff at Washington State for nine seasons.

Barney and her husband, Michael, have a 10-year-old son, Jarryd.

"I am very appreciative of my time at Arizona and I feel fortunate to have coached in this program," Barney said in a statement released by the school. "This was a very difficult decision for me to make, but it is a decision that will allow me to devote more time and energy to my family.  I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life and to be able to pursue other professional opportunities."

Barney did not immediately return a message seeking additional comment.

"She's been a very valuable part of my staff, but I also respect her and her wishes for her and her family," Bonvicini said. "Just emotionally for the last few years, she handled a lot of things, and that just wears on you after a while. I respect her wishes to do something different."

Bonvicini said she is uncertain if Barney will coach again.

"She was great in terms of administration, handling things," Bonvicini said. "She's excellent on the floor helping our players develop. The players trusted her and respected her."

The Wildcats earned a 10-20 record this past season, their third consecutive losing effort.

Bonvicini will meet with athletic director Jim Livengood on Monday to evaluate the campaign and her future. She has one year remaining on her contract, which pays $139,000 a year. She has a 287-223 record in 17 seasons at the UA.