BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball program today announced the hiring of Clay Barnett as women's basketball assistant coach.
Clay Barnett is a distinguished assistant athletic director and head girls basketball coach at Levelland High School with a remarkable career spanning over two decades in Texas high school athletics.
With 575 career coaching wins, Barnett's legacy has been defined by his ability to cultivate discipline, teamwork, and resilience, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the lives of student-athletes both on and off the court.
"We are very fortunate to have Coach Barnett join the women's basketball staff at Howard Payne University," said Rodney Gee, head women's coach. "Coach Barnett is a great teacher of the game and has had an unbelievable amount of success coaching girls' basketball in the state of Texas. He has coached in West Texas and the Panhandle area, which is home to some of the best girls' basketball in the state."
In his time at Levelland High School, Barnett built a powerhouse program, achieving a stellar 352-66 record (84.2% win rate). His leadership delivered eight district championships, four regional tournament appearances (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019), and two regional final appearances (2017, 2019). The team notched seven 30-win seasons, including a near-perfect 26-1 regular season in 2021, and secured 29 playoff victories over 12 years.
Prior to Levelland, Barnett's tenure at Merkel ISD (2010-2013) as Girls Coordinator and Head Girls Basketball Coach was equally impressive, with a 99-8 record (92.5% win rate), two district championships, a 2013 Region 1 championship, and a UIL Girls Basketball State Runner-Up finish. His earlier roles at Anson ISD (2008-2010), Baird ISD (2003-2008), and Wellington ISD (2002-2003) showcased his versatility, coaching boys' and girls' basketball, football, golf, track, and cross country.
Notably, he led Baird's girls' golf team to consecutive state championships in 2004 and 2005 and guided Anson's boys' basketball team to the playoffs in 2009, a milestone not reached since 2005.
Barnett's accolades include the 2013 Abilene Reporter News Super Team Coach of the Year, 2013 Texas Girls Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and 2017 Lone Star Varsity Coach of the Year. A two-time Dean Weese Coach of the Year finalist (2013, 2017), he also served on the TABC Board of Directors and All-State Basketball Committee (2020-2023).
A graduate of Angelo State University (Bachelor of Arts and Science, 1996), Barnett holds certifications in Secondary History and Physical Education.
Coach Barnett is married to Christy, and they have two adult children: son Connor and daughter Colbi.
