When Maureen '97 and Richard Barron announced their departure from their respective positions as head softball and women's basketball coaches last spring, it came as quite a surprise. Both had had successful tenures at the University. But after Richard was offered an associate position at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, the pair made the tough choice to resign their posts in favor of the move.
"It was a really, really hard decision because we were both really happy at Princeton," Maureen said.
"We met there, we got married there; it was a big part of our family life together. But this opportunity at Baylor came along, and we felt like it was something we couldn't pass up from a family standpoint, allowing me to stay at home with the kids."
With three children under the age of four, it was becoming too much of a struggle with two head coaches in the family. Between recruiting, coaching and mentoring their players, the Barrons felt that it was time to say goodbye.
"I think everybody in the Athletic Department [at Princeton] was very understanding," Richard said. "But there weren't daycare centers that were open that late, and we didn't want our kids to be raised by other people."
Since accepting the job, the Barrons haven't regretted the decision at all.
Having recently completed an addition to their new home, all three children have their own bedroom and are enjoying having their mother around as much as she is enjoying being with them.
"It has been a really big change," Maureen said. "We really like Texas and where we live. It's very different from New Jersey and obviously Princeton. I do miss coaching and the team, but I'm also really enjoying having the time to be with my kids."
Maureen, who compiled a 196-149-1 record during her tenure at Princeton, is not currently looking to get back into coaching, but probably will in the future. Softball is highly popular in the area, and a well-qualified coach like Maureen would likely be welcomed at any level.
"In a few years [I probably will coach a team]," Maureen said. "Once we're more settled I might coach pitching or help out with a team in the area."
At first glance, it might seem that the move to Baylor was a step down for both spouses, as Richard took the position as women's basketball associate head coach.
Richard sees it as a learning opportunity, however, as he has never served as an assistant in his career. After becoming a head coach at age 26, Richard spent the next 11 years compiling a 152-139 record in five years at the University of the South and six years at Princeton.
"It's different," Richard said. "Obviously I'm not making the decisions, and I'm on someone else's schedule. But it's not been difficult. I knew what I was getting into, I did that for a reason."
Part of the reason was a large increase in salary and the lure of excellent facilities — Baylor's women's basketball team has a separate gym, weight training facility, trainer, support staff and academic adviser.
Much of that stems from the team's success, as it is the only Big 12 team to ever win a NCAA women's basketball championship, and the Baylor women's basketball program means a lot to the community of Waco.
"We had a welcome-back dinner the first week of school," Richard said. "It was an opportunity for the community to meet the players, and there were probably 1,500 people there. Fifteen hundred people at a game was a lot for Princeton."
The Barrons' excitement about the change is tempered slightly by what they left behind, however. Both Barrons have kept ties to Princeton and continue to follow their former players' progress through online scores.
"I miss [the team] a lot," Richard said. "It's hard. The hardest part for us is that it's not our team anymore."
But their new community has been friendly, and receptive of its new associate head coach.
"It's a warm community," Richard said. "Almost uncomfortably so after being in New Jersey. It's a front porch kind of community."
It's the perfect community for families — which is perfect for the Barrons.
Read More
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Six for six: men’s and women’s track and field both complete triple crown
Luke StocklessMen’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Men’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Nation’s No. 2 miler Mena Scatchard ’25 to transfer to Stanford for graduate year
Luke StocklessThe Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.
The Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.