Coach Ken Barrett Announces Retirement

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Ken Barrett, the Head Coach of the Viterbo University Women's Golf team, has officially announced his retirement after 16 years at the helm of the team. Barrett is the only coach in the history of the program.

"I want to personally thank Ken for all his hard work during his time at Viterbo," said Viterbo's Director of Athletics Barry Fried. "He did a tremendous job leading our women's golf program and always made it a priority to give our players a great experience."

Barrett took over the team in their inaugural 2007-2008 season. The V-Hawks would win their first event in their second season, taking first at the Cedar Creek Invite, and earn their first All-Conference award as Chelsea Dunnum was named All-MCC Honorable Mention. They would continue to improve each year, winning four events in 2010-11, and earning their first ever First-Team All-Conference selection in Chelsey McCoy. Four times the V-Hawks would finish third at the MCC Conference Championships, and would take second in their first year in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) in 2015-16. That year, four V-Hawks collected second team All-Conference honors, and one was named to the first team. 2018-19, Viterbo would win three events and Bailey Schmidt would be named the first conference Player of the Year in program history. In each of Barrett's final three season, the V-Hawks would take second place at the conference meet.

In total, Barrett Coached 36 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 19 All-Conference Honorable Mentions, 13 First-Team All-Conference Selections, and nine Second-Team All-Conference performers.

"Ken's wisdom was invaluable to our department," said Fried. "He's someone I could always trust and turn to when I needed another perspective. I'm going to miss having him around, but I'm truly happy he's able to move into full retirement."

Prior to joining the V-Hawks, Barrett was a high school math teacher for 34 years, including 30 years at La Crosse Central High School. While there, he coached the girl's golf program to six state tournament appearances in nine seasons, including a state championship in 1998. He also coached four girls that went on to play golf at the college level.

He also coached the Raiders boy's basketball team for 22 years. He led La Crosse Central to two state tournament appearances, including a state runner-up position in 1979. For his accomplishments on the court, Barrett was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Hall of Fame in 2005, the National High School Basketball Coaches Association's Court of Honor on July 13, 2016, and received the WBCA Legacy Leadership Award in 2022.

"All good things must come to an end," said Coach Barrett. "I've totally enjoyed my time coaching at Viterbo. Our women's golf family is and will continue to be a cherished part of my life. Go -V-Hawks!"