Bio

Currently the senior member of the Lions’ coaching staff, Kevin Barnette has been on the staff of his Alma mater for 32 years as the defensive coordinator.  He returned to his Alma mater in 1988 after coaching at Wingate University, in Monroe, North Carolina.
    A four-year letter winner for the Lions, Barnette was twice named to the All-South Atlantic Conference team and was named second team All-American by the NAIA in 1984.  A two-time All-District 26 selection, Barnette held the school record for most interceptions in a season (8), and still holds the record for the most interceptions in a game (3).  He also received All-Conference academic honors in 1984.
    Following graduation, Barnette took a job coaching football at Asheville Junior High School.  He served as the defensive coordinator and also coached the wrestling team.  He was also on the faculty of the physical education department.  In 1987, Barnette moved to Wingate University where he was the defensive line coach for one season.  The following year he went to Forest Hills High School as the defensive coordinator and taught in the physical education department.  In 1988, Barnette came to Mars Hill as the defensive backfield coach.  After one season he was named the defensive coordinator.
    Barnette holds a master’s degree in Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy.  He is also a member of the physical education department faculty.  Barnette is married to the former Recy Coleman and they have two sons, Elisha and Nehemiah and one daughter Anna.  The family resides in Mars Hill.