BARRY UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW HEAD COACHESUSHERING IN A NEW ERA FOR BUCCANEER ATHLETICS

By Litzy Grijalba

Over the summer, Barry University entered an exciting new chapter in its athletic history with the appointment of new coaches across its many sports programs. These fresh faces bring a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and ambitious visions aimed at elevating their teams and reinforcing Barry’s long-standing commitment to athletic growth and success in collegiate competition.

For students, the arrival of new coaching leadership represents more than just tactical changes on the sidelines; it's a shift in the culture and identity of Buccaneer athletics. These coaches are dedicated mentors who prioritize teamwork, player development, and school pride, setting the tone for an energized and cohesive sports community.

Barry’s athletic department has focused on recruiting coaches who not only possess strong credentials but also demonstrate a passion for nurturing student-athletes on and off the field. Each new recruit comes with a different perspective, having navigated their own career path through sports, and each is eager to make an impact on their respective programs.

One of the most high-profile hires is Allison Bustamante, named head coach of the women’s basketball team in May 2025. A former standout athlete and experienced coach, Bustamante has a proven track record of training winning teams. Her tenure at Doral Academy led to back-to-back appearances in Florida’s state Final Fours. Known for her skill development programs and strong leadership, she’s expected to inject new energy and discipline into the Buccaneers’ women’s basketball program, focusing on athletic excellence without sacrificing their academic focus.

"Barry University's Men's Basketball Team" Photo Credit to The Barry University Archives

On the men’s basketball side, Barry welcomed back Justin Furr in May 2025, who previously led the team from 2014 to 2018 with notable success. Furr’s return brings additional stability, focusing on building friendly competition. His familiarity with the university’s culture and values positions him well to navigate the challenges of Division II basketball and encourage a resilient team environment.

Barry’s commitment to athletic excellence extends beyond basketball. The women’s golf program gained a new leader in Braydon Bennett, appointed as head coach in July 2025. Bennett brings championship experience from his time at Dallas Baptist University, where his coaching contributed to his previous team winning two national titles. His strategic approach to player development aims to raise the profile of Barry’s golf program and bring home trophies just like the other teams he’s led before.

The softball team also benefits from the return of Amber Jack, a former All-American pitcher at Barry, who has recently stepped back into the role of assistant coach. Jack’s deep ties to the program and extensive coaching background at various collegiate levels promise to refresh the Buccaneers’ softball squad and foster emerging talent.

"Barry University's Women's Soccer Team" Photo Credit to Barry Canto

In women’s soccer, the hiring of Jake Castro adds fresh expertise to the coaching staff. Castro brings Division I experience from Florida International University, where he specialized in player development, performance analysis and scouting. His knowledge will be invaluable in preparing the Buccaneers for strong conference shows and encouraging a competitive, growth-oriented mindset among the players.

"Barry University's Women's Track and Field Team" Photo Credit to Barry Canto

Last of all, the track and field programs are also under new management with James Conley and Jamal Dorvilier, who bring specialized skills in sprints, hurdles, and jumps. Dorvilier, with under seven years of experience under his belt, emphasizes a mindset of steady growth, often telling his athletes to “Be 1% better than yesterday.”

Their combined coaching prowess is expected to develop Barry’s athletes into vigorous contenders at regional and national meets, enhancing the university’s new reputation in track and field.

What distinguishes Barry’s new coaching hires is their shared commitment to mentorship and the broad development of student-athletes. Beyond winning games, these coaches emphasize personal growth, academic success and school engagement. They understand that college athletics isn't only about competition, but preparing young adults for life beyond sports.

For Buccaneer fans, the arrival of new coaching talent brings a fresh wave of enthusiasm and anticipation. The university’s investment in coaching leadership is part of a broader strategy to advance Barry’s athletic programs both on the field and academically. This new chapter is more than a transition; it’s a bold step forward into a promising era of athletic achievement and school pride.