JC Barnett has been the Head Swim Coach at duPont Manual High School since 2009-2010 season. Coach Barnett is an icon in the Kentucky swimming community. He began his own swim career at Plantation Swim Club in 1967, before moving to Lakeside Swim Club in 1971. His high school career began at Westport High School as a 7th grader. He become the youngest scoring member on the 1971 KHSAA Sate Champion team. He finished his high school career as the 1976 KHSAA 200 IM State Champion. He held several AAU age-group state records while swimming at Lakeside.
His collegiate swimming career began at Pasadena City College as the team captain both years, Junior College All-American both years, and two-time California/National Junior College champion in the 400 IM. He is a 2023 Inductee into the Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame. Moving over to California State Northridge, he was the team captain and scoring member of the NCAA Div. 2 championship team both years. He was also a Division 2 All-American in 3 events both years.
Following graduation, he began his coaching career in California, coaching the swim team at Hoover High School (Gendale) before becoming the head coach for swimming and water polo at Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks). During this time he also taught history at Notre Dame. JC was a summertime assistant at Lakeside under Denny Pursley and Bill Peak during the mid-80s.
JC returned to Louisville in 1989 and has continued to share his leadership and expertise in the swim community in various capacities over the years.
- Director of Safety Education and Operation of Kentuckiana Pool Management, 2003- present
- Head Swim Coach, Ballard High School, 1991-2003
- Aquatic Director of the Jewish Community Center, 1989 - 2003
- Louisville Metro Board of Health Lifeguard Instructor
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
- Kentucky Regional Coach of the Year several times
- Has led his teams and swimmers to numerous championships including both Girls and Boys KHSAA State Runner Up, KHSAA Girls State Champions, KHSAA Combined State Champions, Individual State Champions, Academic All-Americans, and Scholar Team National Champions.
When JC is not at a pool he enjoys expanding his history knowledge and spending family time with his wife, Patricia, and his two married adult daughters and one grandson, and two twin granddaughters.
- 2012 member of the KHSAA Girl's State Championship Team and Manual
- 2013 Graduate of duPont Manual High School - MST magnet
- Attended Transylvania University (c/o 2017) where I swam all 4 years. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Elementary Education
- Has a Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership through the University of Louisville, and is pursuing and Ed.D. Doctorate Degree through UofL (Expected August 2025).
- Currently a 5th Grade Teacher at Smyrna Elementary (JCPS)
- Summer LSA swim coach for Copperfield