Coach Barnes and Two Lady Pirates Receive National Honors

by: Hailey Lotz

The Pensacola State Lady Pirates had a break out year, and it was not without the help of Assistant Coach Rachel Barnes. A loved member of PSC Athletics, Barnes has coached alongside Head Coach 'Penny' Belford for the last eight years.

Coach Barnes is no stranger to All-American honors as she herself received them her sophomore year after a record breaking season, and a semifinal performance that is simply unheard of putting up 41 points, snagging 16 rebounds, handing out nine assists and battling for seven steals.

This season Coach Barnes was recognized by World Exposure Report as the NJCAA Assistant Coach of the Year.

This year, Barnes and Head Coach Belford mentored two Lady Pirates of whom one was awarded WBCA All-American and one All-American Honorable Mention.

Tai'Sheka Porchia was named WBCA All-American for putting up impressive numbers this season. The sophomore forward from Arkansas averaged 16.8 points per game in conference and over 10 rebounds. Porchia, a strong presence on offense and defense will be extending her playing career with former Lady Pirate Head Coach Shanda Rigby at Troy University.

Kristin Williams was another force on the PSC court. The guard from San Diego brought a lot of talent to the Lady Pirates roster averaging more than 13 points per game on the season and having several stand-out performances from long range. With her ability to handle the ball and her ambitious drive, Williams has been getting a lot of interest from 4-year universities and is expected to commite elsewhere for the fall.