Barnett named Milligan baseball head coach

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (May 17, 2019) – Skyler Barnett has been named the new head coach for Milligan College baseball. Barnett is a Johnson City native and comes most recently from Walters State Community College where he served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
 
"I'm pleased that Skyler will be leading our baseball program forward," said President Dr. Bill Greer. "His character and Christian commitment make him an excellent fit, and I welcome him to the Milligan community."
 
Barnett has a wealth of experience in the region and at multiple levels of intercollegiate competition. Prior to serving on Milligan alumnus David Shelton's staff at Walters State, Barnett served as a volunteer assistant at East Tennessee State University, his alma mater. Prior to ETSU, he was the recruiting coordinator at Carson-Newman University (2015-17) and an assistant coach at Austin Peay State University (2014-15).
 
"We are excited to announce the addition of Skyler to our athletic department as head baseball coach," said Mark Fox, vice president for athletics and student development. "We interviewed multiple candidates, all of whom will become excellent head coaches at some point in their careers, but we believe Skyler is the top candidate and will be a great fit for Milligan. His passion for recruiting and the development of players will lead to sustained long term success."
 
Barnett served as a graduate assistant at Lincoln Memorial University from 2013 to 2014, helping the school win the South Atlantic Conference for the first time in 54 years. This followed a successful playing career during his time as a student-athlete at ETSU.
 
"I'm excited for this opportunity to work for Milligan College, a school with a purpose and mission I can get behind," Barnett said. "Growing up in Johnson City, this is a great opportunity for me to come back home, impact lives and help students earn a degree. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to be here; I believe it's my calling."
 
As a student-athlete at ETSU, Barnett played catcher and served as team captain his senior season (2012), receiving All-Academic honors from the ASUN Conference in his final three seasons. Barnett also was a recipient of the commissioner's medal for academic achievement.
 
"Obviously I think this is a great hire for Milligan," said Shelton, a Milligan alumnus. "Being an alum myself, I think Skyler is exactly what Milligan needs right now. He will bring stability, work ethic and outstanding knowledge of the game. We're disappointed to lose Skyler, but this is a great opportunity for him to become a head coach. I couldn't be happier for him."
 
Barnett earned a bachelor's degree in sport management from ETSU in 2012.