Don Barr begins his 16th season as head coach of the University of South Florida’s men’s tennis program, and his 17th overall year associated with the team.  His tenure marks the longest continuous stretch for all current USF head coaches and he looks to add to an already steller career after earning his 200th victory last season.

Barr came to USF in 1991 as an assistant coach and assumed head coaching duties the following year.  His leadership has led to the most successful seasons in the 43-year history of the Bulls program, including five conference championships and six Coach of the Year awards.

"I take a great deal of pride in those awards, but not for my sake," says Barr.  "It is a reflection of what the entire team, and program, has accomplished.  They're not really mine at all."

Prior to joining USF, Barr worked as an instructor at the Junior Tennis Academy in Tampa, the Nick Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, the Fontainbleu Hilton in Miami, the Davis Island Tennis Center in Tampa, and the Sweetwater Country Club in Longwood, Fla. In addition, Barr has traveled extensively as a clinician for IBM, giving clinics with professionals including Tom Gorman, Betty Stove and Butch Bucholz.

Barr's accomplishments at USF encompass five total conference titles -- four in Conference USA (1996, 1998, 1999, and 2002) and one in the Metro Conference (1995).  Furthermore, USF has been ranked among the nation's top 30 programs on a fairly consistent basis throughout Barr's career. His team has advanced to NCAA Tournament play in seven of the past 12 seasons.

A very passionate and hard-working individual, Barr's most important goal in his job is to see each of his players mature as an individual and become a better person when they leave USF.

"My biggest reward is when some of my guys call me a few years after their graduation; it is great to know that they are being successful in their families and in their businesses."

Although he is highly competitive, Barr continuously reinforces these priorities for his players: "The guys must keep their priorities in place and find a good balance between academics, athletics and social life."

A native of Cincinnati, Barr played number one singles at both Kentucky and Morehead State.  A 1972 graduate of Morehead State, he has stayed involved in tennis ever since.  Barr currently resides in Land O'Lakes with his wife Lana. The couple has two sons, Donald and Douglas.