Barrett will replace Raina Harmon, who took the head coach position at Florida Gulf Coast
Jan Jensen’s Iowa Hawkeyes have announced the appointment of LaSondra Barrett as their new assistant coach, stepping in to fill the role previously held by Raina Harmon. Jensen shared the news this afternoon, highlighting Barrett’s likely position as the team’s head recruiter.
Barrett is an excellent addition to the staff, having spent the last three seasons at Georgia Tech, where she served as an assistant coach and took on the role of recruiting coordinator in her most recent season. She was reportedly sought after by several programs, with Auburn being a notable competitor in her recruitment. Barrett’s arrival is a significant accomplishment for the Hawkeyes, especially amid criticisms of the coaching staff’s activities in the transfer portal.
Not only is Barrett expected to address those concerns, but she will also introduce new recruiting strategies for the program. A former All-American at LSU, Barrett graduated in 2011 after leading the Tigers to three NCAA Tournaments. Since her professional career ended in 2014, she has progressed through the coaching ranks.
She began her coaching journey at LSU as the director of player personnel for two years before moving on to positions at FIU, Louisiana Tech, and then Houston. At Houston, Barrett primarily focused on developing post players, a role she continued at Georgia Tech.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Iowa Women’s Basketball staff,” Barrett said in the announcement. “This program has a rich tradition of excellence, grounded in hard work, integrity, and a true passion for the game. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to a culture that not only fosters on-court success but also empowers young women to grow as leaders and individuals. I look forward to collaborating with Coach Jensen and her exceptional staff and am eager to support this remarkable team and the Hawkeye community.”
This marks a hopeful turning point for the Hawkeyes this offseason, and Barrett is poised to play a key role in securing strong recruiting classes moving forward.
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