PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach David Barney has been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association's (NJCAA) inaugural Coaches Legacy Awards list. This list, presented by Nufabrx, highlights the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history, with Barney recognized for both men's and women's cross country.

Barney's tenure at PVCC began in 1995 when he became the college's first cross country coach. In 1999, he also founded the track & field program. Under his leadership, the cross country teams have won nine NJCAA national championships, achieved seven runner-up finishes, and placed in the top four on 11 other occasions. Additionally, five runners have secured individual national titles and 67 athletes have earned NJCAA All-American honors.

“I believe this award is a tribute to the athletes I’ve coached. They have believed in me, trusted in me, believed in themselves, and they’ve worked extremely hard,” Barney commented on the recognition.

PVCC Athletics Director, Christina Hundley, stated, "Puma Athletics is honored to have one of our own as a recipient of the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards. With Coach Barney at the helm, our program has proven continued success at the national level."

Barney emphasizes the life lessons imparted through cross country. “It’s a fantastic team sport,” he noted, highlighting lessons like goal setting and discipline. Testimonials from students such as Olivia Coulston laud Barney for transforming their perspectives on both running and life. "Coach Barney has had a tremendous impact on my life, not just as a runner but as a person,” Coulston said.

Keira Damron, another student, added, “Coach Barney has had a HUGE impact on my running career, not only coaching me to be tough physically, but also mentally."

Barney's own roots in Arizona include a career as a cross country and track & field champion, NCAA All-American, and competitor in four U.S. Olympic Trials. Since 1987, he has operated a running camp and has been NJCAA Coach of the Year ten times, with inductions into both the Arizona Runners Hall of Fame and the ACCAC Hall of Fame.

Reflecting on his career, Barney expressed his commitment to mentoring young athletes, saying, “My hope is to pay that forward — to make a difference in the lives of the young men and women I coach.”

He will be honored at the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards luncheon on June 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For additional information on PVCC’s athletic programs, visit the PVCC website.