HS Girls’ Basketball: Marian names former West Hazleton star Barron head coach

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HOMETOWN — Marian Catholic High School announced the appointment of Jeanette Shafer
Barron as the new girls’ basketball head coach in a release Monday afternoon.

A dedicated educator and accomplished former athlete, Barron brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the program, along with a deep personal connection to the school. A history teacher at Marian, Barron has long dreamed of leading a high school basketball program.

“I’m so excited; it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember,” Barron said. “Basketball has always been a love of mine, and this is my way of paying it forward to the athletes of tomorrow.”

Barron was officially inducted into the Hazleton Sports Hall of Fame this past week, celebrating a remarkable athletic career. As a standout at West Hazleton High School from 1989 to 1992, she scored more than 1,500 points and led the Lady Wildcats to the 1991 Eastern final against Allentown Central Catholic. Known for her sharp court vision and leadership as a point guard, Barron broke school records in assists and scoring, earning first-team honors from the Hazleton Standard-Speaker and Pottsville Republican all four years. She was named Player of the Year by both publications as a senior.

Barron continued her basketball journey at Division II Lock Haven University, where she started all four years and left her mark in the record books for assists and field-goal attempts. She also competed internationally during a summer tour in Europe, playing in seven countries.

“I realize this is a change for the program, and I welcome the opportunity to lead it,” she said. “Marian is in my heart; Marian is my home. There wasn’t a better opportunity for me to step in.”

Her coaching résumé includes serving as a junior varsity and assistant coach under Pat Brogan at Hazleton Elementary Middle School, leading a traveling team and working with high school AAU squads alongside veteran coach Joe Barletta.

Barron emphasized her commitment to player development, team chemistry and building a strong foundation for the future.

“My goal is to help the girls fall in love with the game,” she said. “I want them to be happy, to play hard, to play smart and to have fun. This is a time of transition, and it will take time — we need to learn about each other.”

Barron resides in Drums with her husband, Jack. She is the proud mother of three Marian Catholic graduates: Bethany Shaud (‘15), Emily Shaud (‘20) and Katie Barron (‘25). Notably, her daughter Emily was a 1,000-point scorer for the Fillies, continuing the family legacy on the court.