Barnes signs to play volleyball at VU

Megan Barnes (front row, second from left) is shown signing a letter-of-intent to play volleyball at Vincennes University Junior College Friday. Sitting next to Barnes in the front row is VU volleyball Tina Miller (left) and her parents Tim and Kim Barnes. The back row (from left) includes Linton-Stockton athletic director Charlie Karazsia, sister Courtney Barnes, Linton-Stockton varsity volleyball coach Penny Dunn, Linton-Stockton assistant volleyball coach Jacqi Ward and Linton-Stockton principal Nick Karazsia. (By BJ Hargis/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

The 6-1 Barnes, the daughter of Tim and Kim Barnes of Linton, signed a letter-of-intent to play volleyball at Vincennes University Junior College Friday.

Barnes, a key member of the 2007 Class 2A Sectional championship team, was the first player that VU coach Tina Miller signed for 2009.

"We look for Megan to have a chance to compete for a starting spot," said Miller, who has coached the Lady Trailblazer for the past 24 seasons. "We will probably move her from the middle to the right side.

"She has good size and a good arm swing. She will definitely be able to come in and help us."

Barnes, who will receive $3,000 per year for tuition and books, is following in the footsteps of Linton-Stockton coach Penny Dunn.

"I am really happy for Megan," said Dunn. "I went to VU and played and I am thrilled that Megan is going to have the chance to go on and play.

"She is the first player that I've had that will be playing college volleyball."

Barnes, who also plays basketball and softball and will earn 10 varsity letters before graduation this spring, said that Lady Miner assistant coach Jacqi Ward put the bug in her ear about going to VU and studying nursing.

"Jacqi had played at VU and studied nursing as well," said Barnes, who has a 3.953 GPA and ranks fourth in a class of 94. "I really didn't start thinking about it until Jacqi talked to me.

"I had offers from some other schools to play basketball and volleyball. But volleyball is my passion. I have a chance to play volleyball, study to be a nurse and be close to home where my parents and family can watch me play. I am very happy that everything worked out like it did."

Miller said that VU assistant coach Mike Misner, who formerly coach Linton-Stockton, recommended Barnes.

"I have recruited several girls from Linton, so I know what kind of program they have here," said Miller. "Mike told me not only about her athletic ability but about her character.

"With a 3.9 GPA, I won't have to worry about whether Megan will be able to stay eligible. She is a very good student and we are very pleased to have her joining six returning hitters."

Dunn said it will take a lot of dedication to play college volleyball, but realizes Barnes is ready for the challenge.

"When you play at VU, you have a lot of long weekend road trips to Illinois and Michigan," said Dunn. "But she is a very good student who has always done a good job of balancing her time between academics and athletics.

"She is very motivated and I wish her nothing but the best. It has been a pleasure to work with Megan since she was in eighth grade."

Barnes, who said she realizes she will have to get stronger and quicker to play at the next level, wanted to thank Dunn.

"Coach Penny has been helping me since the eighth grade," said Barnes, who has coached youth volleyball and youth softball. "She has helped me a lot both as a volleyball player and as a person.

"It was at the Junior-Senior Showcase in December in Indianapolis where coach Miller had a chance to see me play. I am very appreciative of everything that coach did for me."

Barnes, a member of Academic Honors Club, Red Cross Youth Corps, Spanish Club, Letterwomen, FCA, Junior Civitan and Student Assistance Team, said that winning the sectional in 2007 was the highlight of her prep volleyball career.

Miller said she is anxious to begin working with Barnes and preparing for next season.