SHS CHAMPION BARNES GOLF CAREER TAKES SHAPE

by Krista Norton | August 22, 2024

While many youth in our community have been able to take part in the free junior golf lessons during the summer for many years, Paige Barnes recalls it as what pushed her on this journey. 
Barnes said, “When we moved to Syracuse, my first experience with golf was the junior golf lessons, and I think that is what sparked my love for the sport!” 
The lessons, organized by former coach and teacher, Rick Mathias many years ago, continue, with help from his son, Jeff, who is also a teacher and coach. 
She played for Coach Rick Mathias through high school. Their team was back-to-back state champions, individually, she achieved much success as well. “Coach Mathias has always been someone I have looked up to since I first picked up that golf club.” 
Her accomplishments in high school opened a lot of doors for her, providing several options to play golf in college. “I had coaches reach out to me from Friends University, Sterling, Barton, and couple places out of state, but I decided to stay closer to home and play at Barton Community College,” she explained.  
She admits Barton Community College was not the best fit for her, and after two years, she transferred to Sterling College. Sterling was a good decision she admits, “Coach (Tanner George) knew it was going to be a little shaky, he took me under his wing, helped me believe in myself again, and got me back on the course.” 
While at Sterling College, she was a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) all team player, meaning top ten, all three years. In addition, she received the Champion of Character award her first year, keeping the five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – at the heart of her experience. 
“Coach also helped me learn the ropes, helping me continue on after my undergrad reaching out to other coaches, seeking a position as a graduate assistant which led me to Friends University.” said Barnes. 
It was a long journey for Barnes, but one she has enjoyed. After graduation in May, she was selected as Friends University’s Graduate Assistant Intern Coach for the women’s golf team. 
Her position, after her initial training, will be taking control of recruiting, with assistance from the girl’s head golf coach, Paul Howe, “Trying to get girls to sign for us!” said Barnes. 
Barnes has known Howe for several years. “He has kept track of me since high school and once I joined the KCAC, we developed a good coach-athlete relationship as well as friendship,” said Barnes, “Something not a lot of people can say, it is rare to come by.” 
“He encouraged me each time our paths crossed, helping me get ready for the day,” said Barnes, “Sometimes the teams would be staying at the same motels and if we happened to be in the lobby for breakfast at the same time, he’d come over to my table, say hi and have a cup of coffee.” 
While a lot of their recruiting is out of state, she hopes to bring more Kansas girls to Friends, maybe even a little recruiting in Southwest Kansas.  
She will also be helping coach the A and/or B team. “When we are playing in tournaments, if coach is working with the A team, I’ll work with the B team or vice versa,” said Barnes. “If only the A team is competing, I will stay back and work with the B team.” 
“I think I’ll be able to help the team. I know what’s it’s like to have that target on your back and I hope to help build confidence on the course, so they are not so timid and scared,” said Barnes. This fall the team will be eight to ten girls, with a couple more joining them in the spring. 
The next two years at Friends University, she will also complete her master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in sports management. 
She looks to Friends University as a place to call her home. “I am going to be very busy, learning how to balance school life and my life in addition to being part of the program but I don’t think it is anything I cannot handle,” Barnes said, “Hammer down, believe in myself and I can get it done.”
She feels the bright side of Friends, is that it is a Christian based school, “They want the best for you, they do not push faith on you, but it is a part of what we do and a part of what we want our student athletes to grab on to.”
“I feel Wichita is welcoming, being in the area I’m in and no matter what, we are blessed to be doing what we do, and we will always have God with us and everybody that plays on our team will know that,” she added.  
Barnes biggest encourager has been her family, “When I go to a tournament, it’s not just me, the support of my parents is huge, seeing them out there, getting a hug before every first tee shot, is something I am super grateful for.” 
Coming from a small town, Barnes advice is “If you’re willing to work hard, there’s a lot of possibilities, you just have to open your mind and your heart, and you’ll be led to what is out there.”