By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — In many respects, it was inevitable. Watauga High School’s women’s basketball head coach Laura Barry resigned from the program, effective Aug. 4, to become an assistant coach at Davidson College.
When high school coaches have the kind of success carved out by Barry in nurturing and growing the Pioneer program, job offers at a higher level are sure to follow. Since Barry was hired in May of 2016, she had an instant impact not just on the program but on the academic and personal development of her charges.
During her seven seasons at the helm of the Pioneer women’s program, Barry accumulated an overall record of 124-55, a 69.3 percent winning percentage or over 17 wins per season, on average. She also served as the Watauga men’s coach for two years while heading the women’s team, too.
I am so grateful for my time with this program and the opportunity to grow with these young people through basketball.
While Barry played collegiately at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (2009 graduate), before arriving at Watauga she served as an assistant coach at East Tennessee State, St. John’s University, and Allegheny College.
In departing, Barry had nothing but praise for her experience in the High Country.
“Representing Watauga High School and working with these young women has been more
fulfilling and exciting than I ever could have imagined,” said Barry. “I am so grateful for my time with this program and the opportunity to grow with these young people through basketball. I know the standards and traditions will continue to carry on beyond my time here, and I am excited for the future of this team and these players and coaches. I would like to thank the dedicated leadership in Watauga County Schools, the past and present families, and most of all the staff and players that made coaching here so rewarding each day.”
Round 4 of the NCHSAA 4A Women’s Basketball State Championships in 2023, under the direction of head coach Laura Barry. Photo by David Rogers
“I am thrilled to be announcing the addition of Laura to our coaching staff,” said Davidson head coach Gayle Fulks. “She is an excellent basketball coach that has been a winner at every level, but an even better person that truly embodies our program’s values. Her mentorship both on and off the court will be great for our players, as she has been in their shoes, striving for championships on the court, being a great teammate and leader and excelling as a student in the classroom. I can’t wait for her to get started!”
While looking back at her time at Watauga, Barry is also looking ahead.
“I am extremely excited to join Coach Fulks’ staff and have the opportunity to coach and mentor these student-athletes,” Barry said. “Davidson College has a rich tradition of serious academics alongside a high level of basketball, and I am thrilled to be a part of that as well as compete in this league. I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to work with young people through the game of basketball and as a part of the Davidson Athletics family.”
Watauga High School athletic director Dustin Kerley was excited for what lies ahead in the next chapter of Barry’s career and life.
“Watauga Athletics is very grateful to Coach Barry for the time, effort, and commitment that she has put into our women’s basketball program,” said Kerley. “A very high standard has been set under her leadership. Coach Barry had some phenomenal accomplishments on the court, but just as important as her on the court accolades will be the impact she leaves off the court. Coach Barry built positive relationships with her players, staff, and colleagues at Watauga High School and did things the right way. She worked extremely hard to ensure her players were great people off the court, in our school, and in our community. For that, we are extremely grateful! We wish her nothing but the best as she moves on to her next endeavor.”
Barry also serves as owner/operator of Peak Basketball LLC, helping basketball players of all ages in the High Country learn the game by allowing them to work hard, push their limits, and grow their game.
Some basketball highlights include:
2016-17 Season
- Reached Rd 2 of the NCHSAA Playoffs
2017-18 Season
- Co-NW3A/4A Conference Champions
- Reached Rd 2 of the NCHSAA Playoffs
2018-19 Season
- Reached Rd 2 of the NCHSAA Playoffs
2019-20 Season
- Reached Rd 2 of the NCHSAA Playoffs
2021-22 Season
- High Country Holiday Classic Tournament Champions
- Co-NW3A/4A Conference Champions
- NW3A/4A Conference Tournament Champions
- 100th win vs Garinger (60-32 win for the Lady Pioneers) on 2/22/22 in Rd 1 of the
NCHSAA Playoffs - Reached Rd 3 of the NCHSAA Playoffs
2022-23 Season
- High Country Holiday Classic Tournament Champions
- Co-NW3A/4A Conference Champions
- NW3A/4A Conference Tournament Champions
- Reached Rd 4 of the NCHSAA Playoffs`
