WILSON, N.C. – Barton College has announced the hiring of Eileen Van Horn as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Van Horn takes over for Wendee Saintsing, who announced her retirement earlier in the spring.
Van Horn comes to Barton after spending the past two seasons at Western Carolina University (2022-24) in Cullowhee, N.C., where she served as Recruiting Coordinator & Assistant Coach. Three Catamounts earned all-conference honors under her tutelage.
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I am incredibly grateful to Vice President and Director of Athletics Ken Tyler, President Doug Searcy, and the entire Bulldog community for their belief in me and for entrusting Barton women's basketball to my care," said Van Horn. "
I am excited to pour into our student-athletes and help them achieve their highest potential, both on and off the court. Coach Saintsing leaves behind a 35-year legacy of success. I'm honored to carry on that legacy and am confident in the future successes we will achieve together. It's a great day to be a Bulldog and I am thrilled to be joining this community."
Prior to WCU, Van Horn spent four years at the University of Vermont (2018-22) where she was an Assistant Coach for three seasons after serving as Director of Basketball Operations for one year.
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We're excited and proud to welcome Eileen Van Horn to Barton College as the new head coach of our women's basketball program," said Ken Tyler, Barton Vice President and Director of Athletics. "
Eileen emerged from a deep pool of strong candidates as the best leader to move our program forward. She is viewed highly in the profession as a gifted recruiter and player development coach and she will connect easily with colleagues, alumni and community members. Eileen brings a championship pedigree, and she is excited about embracing and building on the proud legacy of Barton women's basketball. Eileen Van Horn is an outstanding addition to Barton College and we can't wait for her to get started!"
Van Horn, a 2016 graduate of Marist College with a bachelor's degree in communications, was a four-year letter winner for the Red Foxes where she was a Team Captain and played on two MAAC Championship and two NCAA Division I Tournament Teams (2013 and 2014). Van Horn was also a two-time Coaches Award recipient (2015-16) and four-time member of the All-MAAC Academic Team (2012-15).
Van Horn earned her master's degree from Marist in communications in 2018 while serving as the team's Director of Basketball Operations for two years.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT EILEEN VAN HORN:
Brian Giorgis, former Marist Head Women's Basketball Coach
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Congratulations to Barton College on the hiring of Eileen Van Horn as their next head women's basketball coach. What Barton will be getting is an affable, industrious young woman who is a tireless worker and an avid student of the game. More importantly, she will reflect the values and beliefs of the college and will be a great role model for the student-athletes. She is a great hire."
Alisa Kresge, Vermont Head Women's Basketball Coach
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Eileen (Van Horn) has always been invested in building great relationships with her players ensuring they have the best college experience. She has a track record of impacting the lives of student-athletes that goes deeper than just the game of basketball. Eileen's work ethic, knowledge and passion for the game combined with her coaching experience will propel her into a successful leader."
Ashleigh Simmons, WCU Senior Associate AD for Student Success/Senior Woman Administrator
"Eileen epitomizes what it means to be a player's coach! She's driven, hardworking and a truly genuine person. Her unique ability to connect with players will be such an asset to the program. I firmly believe that her competitive spirit and unwavering dedication to the development of young women will cultivate a culture of success for Barton College Women's Basketball."
