Lynsey Barnard elevated to head girls’ basketball coach at Iowa City High

IOWA CITY — OK, in terms of head-turning girls’ basketball news value, this ranks No. 3 on a wild Wednesday in June.

And yet ...

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Lynsey Barnard said in the wake of her hiring as head girls’ basketball coach at Iowa City High. “This feels surreal, to be honest. I’m speechless.”

Barnard, 34, served as lieutenant to Bill McTaggart in recent seasons; McTaggart resigned May 16 after a 23-year run that featured a 402-129 record and a state championship in 2008.

“Bill has set me up for this,” Barnard said. “He has given me a chance to learn. I’ve done every role within this program that exists, and I’m ready for this opportunity.”

A native of Pekin, Ill., Barnard played at Monmouth College, then was an assistant coach at Loras College before moving to Iowa City.

Barnard is a science teacher at City High.

“Under Lynsey’s leadership, City High is certain to build on (its) success,” athletics director Phillip Hansen said in a release. “Lynsey’s passion for basketball and her ability to make meaningful connections with her student-athletes will allow City High girls basketball to continue to thrive.”

City High finished 19-5 last season and returns two starters for 2022-23 in senior Kelsey Joens, an Iowa State University commit, and sophomore Emmy McComas.

“Kelsey is one of the best players in the state,” Barnard said. “We have a lot of scoring talent back, and I really want us to clamp down defensively.

“I don’t think the shot clock is going to affect us much.”

Barnard’s hiring comes on the same day as two huge girls’ basketball news events in the Corridor:

» Former University of Iowa star Kenyon Murray was hired at Cedar Rapids Prairie.

» B.J. Mayer announced that he will step down at Iowa City West to take over the athletics director role.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com