WESTMINSTER, Md. – Director of Athletics Jeremy Shepherd announced on Tuesday that Katie Barnett has been selected as the new Associate Director of Athletics at McDaniel College.
 
Barnett will also serve as Senior Woman Administrator and take over several duties, including NCAA compliance and overseeing student-athlete welfare.
 
"Katie is an excellent addition to our leadership team," said Shepherd. "She brings an outstanding work ethic and will build great relationships with our campus community. Katie has a wealth of knowledge as she's been involved in college athletics her entire life, first as a coach's kid, and then as a head coach and administrator. Her extensive experience and commitment to supporting our student-athletes make her a great fit here on the Hill."
 
Barnett comes to the Hill after serving in various roles at Hood College in Frederick, including Game Day Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Advisor and Head Men's and Women's Volleyball Coach. She was also a member of the college's Staff Council Executive Board.
 
"The McDaniel College community is proud and strong, with a culture of competitive and academic excellence," said Barnett. "I am excited to help foster this environment by creating exceptional experiences for every team and student-athlete. Furthermore, I look forward to collaborating across campus to fully support our student-athletes, coaches, and campus members in achieving their highest potential."
 
As Game Day Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, Barnett organized and promoted specialty games, planned giveaways, and theme nights for all athletic teams and partnered with campus groups for events. In her role as SAAC Advisor, she connected students with opportunities to help in the community and student-athlete engagement events, such as the Hoodies, an annual celebration of all student-athletes each academic year.
 
Barnett led the women's volleyball team to the MAC Commonwealth semifinals in 2025, its first playoff appearance in 10 years, and started the college's first men's volleyball program in 2023.
 
Prior to Hood, Barnett served as Director of Operations, Senior Woman Administrator, and Head Women's Volleyball Coach at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa. from 2019-22. She also served as an adjunct professor in physical education. Barnett coordinated all aspects of game day operations for each varsity athletic program while leading the women's volleyball team to back-to-back Colonial States Athletic Conference semifinal appearances in 2019 and 2021.
 
Barnett spent one season as an assistant volleyball coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017 when the Crimson Hawks advanced to the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship.
 
A 2016 graduate of the University of Tampa, Barnett received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management before earning a Master of Science in Sport Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017.
 
Barnett resides in Frederick with her husband, Justin, and her two daughters, Kali and Josie.