Jessica Barber, a 2001 graduate of Franklinton High School, has been named Director of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association. She becomes only the fourth director in the history of the association and the first woman to earn the title.
"I can't deny that being the first woman in this role was intriguing," Barber said. "At first, it felt a little intimidating, but I know my background has prepared me for this."
The daughter of John and the late Christy Barber, Jessica brings nearly two decades of coaching experience, program development, and player mentorship across high school, AAU, and collegiate basketball to her new position.
"This is a role that requires the right fit-someone who can serve as a bridge between our high school coaches and the broader LHSAA community," said Christopher Kovatch, President of the LHSCA. "Jessica checks all the boxes. She's organized, tech-savvy, an excellent communicator and has experience at both high school and college levels. She's worked with people from all walks of life and has succeeded at every stop. We're excited to begin this new chapter with her."
Jessica spent part of last week visiting with coaches and presenting Most Outstanding Player awards to players from each team that participated in State Championship games at the Caesars Superdome. The LHSCA runs the coaches gate for all championship games.
"This position is truly a full-circle moment for me," said Jessica. "I grew up watching my high school coaches pour into the LHSAA and the LHSCA, and from an early age I learned that coaching was about service - to athletes, schools, and communities. I had the honor of playing in the LHSCA All-Star Game, and now to serve as Executive Director of the very organization that helped shape me is incredibly humbling. My community has believed in me at every stage - hiring me fresh out of college, supporting my dream of becoming a college coach, welcoming me back between opportunities, and consistently showing up for me. I hope to honor that trust by serving Louisiana's coaches with the same commitment, integrity, and passion that were poured into me."
A four-year starter for Coach Regina Meyerchick, Jessica helped lead the FHS Lady Demons to the 1998 State Championship game. She earned All-District and All-State honors every year of her high school basketball career. In 2001, Jessica captured the MVP award for her East squad in the LHSCA All-Star game.
Jessica was a four-year letter-winner at the University of Mobile (AL), earning First-Team All-Conference honors and Freshman of the Year. She is still the school's leader in assists.
In her coaching career, she was the Associate Head Coach at the University of Monroe. Most recently, Jessica served as an assistant coach at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2023-2025. Earlier in her coaching career, she made stops at Pine High School, Franklinton High School, Loyola University in New Orleans, and Edna Karr High School. She both played and coached for the AAU New Orleans Dominos founded by Coach Charlie Domino.
