Coach Barnthson is in his first season as head coach of the OU men's volleyball program.
Before coming to Ottawa University, Barnthson spent the 2018 season as assistant women’s volleyball coach at Western Colorado University (WCU). While at WCU, he was the recruiting coordinator, game plan strategist and planned practices. Barnthson was the positon coach for outside hitters and primary passers.
Before WCU, Barnthson was an assistant coach at Newman University from 2016-18, where he served as recruiting coordinator, position coach for outside hitters and primary passers, as well as helped with game plan strategy and practice planning. Barnthson also had duties regarding travel and player development. He coached the conference player of the year and three first-team, all-conference selections.
Prior to and during his time at Newman University, Barnthson was owner and director of the MAVS Volleyball Organization from 2008-18. With the club, Barnthson managed budgets, apparel, travel, practice planning and scheduling, and tournament entries for more than 50 teams.
From 2014-16 Barnthson was also the general manager for Wichita Hoops, LLC. He was responsible for the startup of the athletic facility, working bids from construction companies, vendors and other supply companies. He also scheduled all employees and took care of court scheduling and management for more than 50 teams.
Barnthson attended Park University, where he was an outside hitter for the Pirate volleyball team. He helped lead the Pirates to two Mid-America Men’s Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference (MAMVIC) championships, and two trips to the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Invitational Tournament. Barnthson was second on the team in service aces in 2010. He graduated in May 2010 with a degree in elementary education.
