Barbara Farris has had an exceptional basketball career as a player, coach, and champion on various levels, despite starting late at age thirteen. Her experiences playing and coaching basketball globally demonstrate its role in her personal growth, as well as the profound impact she has had on her players and the community, exemplifying the importance of being more than just an athlete, but a beacon of inspiration for others. The conversation with Barbara celebrates the joys and challenges of basketball, while also spotlighting the long-term influence of supporting women’s sports and the growth of individuals involved.

(0:00:00) – Barbara Farris and Growing Up

(0:13:49) – Teaching Discipline and Expectations in Public

(0:18:09) – High School Athletics and Influential Coaches

(0:27:28) – Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports

(0:38:45) – College Recruiting Visits and Decisions

(0:43:44) – Tulane Women’s Basketball Program Memories

(0:56:10) – Overcoming Challenges for Success

(1:03:11) – Life Lessons Learned Through Basketball

(1:11:39) – Embracing Basketball and Self-Confidence

(1:18:53) – Athlete Transition to Playing Abroad

(1:27:24) – Success in Coaching Basketball

(1:39:27) – College Athletics and Transfer Portal

(1:44:12) – College Basketball Rule Changes and Opportunities

(1:49:40) – Support and Investment in Women’s Basketball

(1:55:02) – Favorite Things and Guilty Pleasures

(2:05:55) – Planning Diverse Sports Network Expansion

 During her Tulane career, Barbara started in 114 games and scored 1,729 points, making 408 out of 684 free throw attempts, which is second on the record-charts; she also had Tulane’s second-highest career totals of rebounds (939), offensive rebounds (351), defensive rebounds (588), free throws made (408) and free throws attempted (684). She averaged 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in her career, becoming the only player in school history to achieve all-conference honors all four years. She still holds the school’s career field-goal percentage record (63.7 percent). For all of these reasons, and for her outstanding leadership skills, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.