Darnel Barnes

Background

Darnel Barnes earned a Bachelor degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Master degrees in Operations Research and City Planning. After being employed as an engineer and city planner, Darnel became a teacher at an engineering magnet school in the Atlanta Public School system. There he taught engineering, mathematics, and robotics and coached varsity boys’ basketball until 2007. Darnel grew up in Southern New Jersey and attended the Moorestown Friends School where he played varsity basketball and was twice selected as an all-conference player. Darnel sings a mean baritone in the faculty band and lives in the John Williams dormitory with his wife and three children where he has been known to share his culinary skills.

Teams

  • Assistant CoachBasketball (Boys): Junior Varsity

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Deerfield students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and try new experiences. If a student wishes to play a new sport, then they can participate in tryouts along with the other athletes, and will be placed according to their skill level. Most sports at Deerfield have multiple teams, so those new to a particular sport will usually have the opportunity to play at an appropriate level. Beginners should be sure to notify the coach if they require guidance in navigating a new sport.

Students are required to participate in a co-corricular each term. “Co-curriculars” do not necessarily have to be an interscholastic sport. Other options include community service, dance, theater, recreational sports, or even managing a sport. Additionally, students with talents in certain areas such as the arts may apply for a co-curricular exemption, in which they pursue their talent under the guidance of a Deerfield faculty member. Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to participate in at least two terms of interscholastic athletics per year.

Varsity candidates will typically have preseason tryouts before school begins, and therefore should plan on arriving three or more days early. Coaches notify candidates during the summer if they should arrive early, and arrival dates are posted on the Deerfield Academy calendar.

Deerfield does provide laundry services for athletic clothing. Students should be aware that due to turnaround time they may want to have multiple sets of clothing to avoid any problems.

Each sport holds tryouts at the beginning of the season to determine appropriate placement for students trying out. Deerfield does its best to put all of its students in the position to succeed and grow as athletes, and these efforts are reflected in the composition of its teams.

All students, faculty, and staff can seek help from Deerfield’s skilled athletic training staff regardless of their involvement in Deerfield athletics.

Certain equipment, including game uniforms and practice clothing, is provided by the Athletic Stockroom. Some non-clothing items are also available for loan upon request, or available to purchase through the Athletic Store. Because each sport has varying equipment needs, students should be in touch with their coach or the stockroom staff when they arrive on campus. If students need to purchase athletic equipment or clothing not found in the Athletic Store or stockroom, they can usually find it at any one of several local retail stores.

Recreational sports are typically open to juniors and seniors as a co-curricular option, but some may allow underclassmen to participate with the coach’s permission.

The athletic facilities, including the gym, pool, tennis courts, and squash courts, are open to all students, faculty, and staff during their hours of operation. At the beginning of the year all students participate in an orientation that walks them through proper use of the fitness center, and all new students take a required swim test before they can use the pool. Hours for athletic facilities are posted online.

Contact Athletics

athletics@deerfield.edu
413-774-1430

Office West Gym
Mail PO Box 36
Deerfield, MA 01342