Former Pepperdine women's basketball standout Skye Barnett returned to Malibu to serve as the team's director of operations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
"We as a team are so excited to bring Skye back to Malibu," said head coach Kristen Dowling at the time of Barnett’s hiring in August 2019. "I had the privilege to coach Skye when she was an athlete here, and I can't say enough good things about her. She was tenacious on the court, and extremely kind off the court. She was beloved by her teammates, and a true role model, something I think will continue with this group here."
Barnett played for the Waves from 2009-12, appearing in 101 games and starting 73 of them. She started every game for the last three years that she played. Over her four years, she scored 588 points, for an average of 5.8 points per game. She also brought down a total of 490 rebounds, averaging almost five per game. Barnett played on the WCC Tournament runner-up in 2010, as well as on two teams that made it to the WNIT in 2010 and 2011.
She was named to the WCC Commissioner's Honor Roll all four years at Pepperdine and was WCC All-Academic honorable mention in 2012. Barnett was the inaugural recipient of the Maurice Hilliard Award, given to a Pepperdine student-athlete that exemplifies the attributes of Christian faith, character and leadership, in 2012.
"It is such a blessing to be able to come back to a university and program that had such a positive impact on my life," said Barnett. "I am so grateful for this opportunity and very excited for this upcoming season."
Prior to returning to Malibu, Barnett taught fourth grade at Hope Christian School in Albuquerque, N.M. for two years, along with being an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball program. She worked with all levels, and helped the 2016 varsity team to a 4-A Girls State championship. She also worked at Lionheart Children's Academy as a school age teacher.
She graduated from Pepperdine in 2012 with a degree in liberal studies.
