Sarah Ashlee Barker From Georgia Courts: Thirty-one years after her daddy, Jay Barker, led the legendary 1992 football team to a national championship in Tuscaloosa, senior forward Sarah Ashlee Barker is now the face of Alabama womens basketball. She’s dropping over 15 points per game in her second season for the Crimson Tide, aiming for the NCAA tournament.
But her journey had its twists. Barker surprised folks when she committed to Georgia as a high school junior in 2018. Despite being a decorated player at Spain Park High School, winning two state championships and numerous awards, she stuck to her decision to play for Coach Joni Taylors Bulldogs.
“The only reason I really wanted to go there was because I felt like I connected with the coach really well,” Barker said. “My dad did play here [at Alabama], and he won a national championship, so the main thing for me was that I kind of wanted to go and make a name for myself and do my own thing. The best thing was for me to go to Georgia.”
Barker made an impact at Georgia, earning a spot on the All-SEC freshman team. However, in 2022, with Coach Gary Blair’s retirement at Texas A&M, Taylor became the head coach, prompting Barker’s transfer to Alabama.
I did consider going to Texas A&M because thats where my coach went, but I kind of evaluated what would be the best fit for me from an offensive standpoint and from a basketball standpoint, Barker explained. Obviously familys very important to me, and I didnt want to go and be nine hours from home, so it was kind of an easy decision.”
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Back in Alabama, Barker’s stats remained solid, and she became a leader on the team. Coach Kristy Curry welcomed her with excitement, praising her heart, hustle, and leadership qualities.
She has the two most important qualities that we look for in a player that you cant coach, and that is heart and hustle. Those attributes truly make her special as a competitor and a teammate, Curry expressed.
Barker’s versatility and toughness have impressed her former coach, Joni Taylor, who sees her as a daughter. Barker’s on-court performance has been outstanding, averaging 15.6 points per game and boasting a 57.9% field goal percentage.
As a “COVID senior,” Barker plans to make the most of her remaining eligibility.
I know I want to stay a fifth year, Barker said. I think college athletics is huge, and its a lot of fun. And so, I want to be able to stay in college as long as I can.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the father of Sarah Ashley Barker?
Sarah Ashlee Barker, daughter of former national champion quarterback Jay Barker, has become the prominent figure of Alabama women’s basketball, over three decades after her father’s victory with the 1992 football team.