Albany State softball head coach moving on

ALBANY — Amber Barker, who led Albany State to the SIAC softball championship earlier this year, is leaving the program.

The head coach at ASU for the past two years and at Darton State the three seasons prior to that, Barker, who went 54-47 at ASU, has been named the head coach at Texas Woman’s University, an NCAA Division II program located in Denton, Texas.

“We would like to thank Coach Barker for her outstanding contributions to Albany State University and the softball program,” ASU athletics director Sherie Gordon said in a news release. “She always brought a positive energy and was an exemplary leader for our student-athletes. We wish her nothing but the best as she moves on to the next phase of her career.”

Barker and the Golden Rams went 29-24 last year, going unbeaten in conference play and sweeping the SIAC Tournament. ASU qualified for NCAA regional play for the first time in five seasons.

As a result of ASU’s finish, Barker was named the HBCU Division II Coach of the Year.

“The mission and values of (Texas Woman’s) were right in line with the values I hold personally and professionally,” Barker said in a release from that university posted to its website. “I would be remiss if I did not thank Darton State College/Albany State University for allowing me the opportunity to grow as a young professional.

“Albany, Georgia, and those I worked with will truly be missed, but what a dream come true to be able to return to the Lone Star State and at such a phenomenal institution. I am looking forward to being part of the Pioneer family.”

Barker was a four-year starter as a player and coached for five seasons at Louisiana Tech. She was an assistant softball coach and academic adviser at The University of Texas-Dallas prior to taking the head coaching position at Darton State, where she went 41-54.

Albany State announced Harley Roller will serve as interim head coach.