News Summary

Leigh Barone, head coach of Masuk High School’s softball team, resigns after a decade of remarkable achievements, including seven consecutive championships. Her impact on the community and players illustrates a legacy built on excellence and mentorship. As Barone moves forward, the community reflects on her significant contributions and the future of the team.

Monroe Says Goodbye to a Softball Icon

In a heartfelt turn of events, Monroe’s Leigh Barone has announced her resignation as the head coach of the Masuk High School softball team after a remarkable decade that many in the community will surely remember for years to come. As she steps down during what has been labeled a “softball dynasty,” it’s hard not to reflect on the incredible milestones and achievements this team and its coach have experienced together.

A Stellar Tenure

Barone’s coaching career has been nothing short of historic. Under her guidance, the Masuk Panthers have clinched an astounding seven consecutive Class L championships between 2018 and 2024. That’s right, folks—seven! Moreover, the overall record during her time at the helm stands at a jaw-dropping 233 wins and just 27 losses. To put it another way, the team achieved an impressive record of 179 wins against only 7 losses in the five years from 2018 to 2023, and they soared through 2024 with an undefeated season to cap it all off.

Community Impact

The Panthers didn’t just shine in state championships; they also bagged seven South-West Conference (SWC) titles during Barone’s time. The pinnacle of their journey came in 2023, when the team broke the record for the most consecutive championships in the CIAC softball history with their fifth straight win. Clearly, Barone’s leadership has created an atmosphere of excellence in a sport she’s loved forever.

Her accomplishments in coaching have not gone unnoticed, earning her commendations such as the CHSCA Coach of the Year in both 2018 and 2024, alongside the GameTimeCT Coach of the Year award in 2018. In fact, in 2024, she was named the Doc McInerney Female Coach of the Year by the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance. Her lists of accolades are endless, and it’s easy to see why so many looked up to her in various ways.

Legacy of Excellence

Barone’s impact has stretched far beyond titles and trophies. She has mentored 18 players who have taken their softball careers to the collegiate level. Among those are notable standouts like Kat Gallant and Julia Bacoulis, who both were named GameTimeCT Softball Player of the Year. This is the kind of legacy a coach dreams of leaving behind, and it showcases the nurturing environment Barone fostered for her athletes to thrive both on and off the field.

Masuk’s athletic director, Brian Hourigan, described Barone as the “gold standard” for coaching, emphasizing her unwavering dedication and the profound influence she had on the players. Meanwhile, Principal Steve Swensen attributed her success to the high standards she set and the supportive culture she created for the team.

Gratitude and Farewell

As Barone prepares to exit her coaching role, she takes with her a sense of deep gratitude toward her players, assistant coaches, and the Monroe community as a whole. She reflects fondly on her coaching journey as an unforgettable honor, recognizing that success is a collective effort of everyone involved.

Beyond coaching, Barone also teaches Spanish at Jockey Hollow Middle School and has managed to balance her professional life with her family responsibilities. Through it all, she maintained a steadfast commitment to excellence and made an indelible impact on the lives of her athletes.

As we wave goodbye to Leigh Barone, we can’t help but be excited for what the future holds for her and the new chapter her departure opens for the Masuk Panthers. They will undoubtedly miss her guiding presence but will carry forward the legacy she has built. Here’s to a remarkable coach who has left her mark—Monroe is forever grateful!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Kentucky High School Basketball to Implement Shot Clock
Significant Changes in Seattle High School Basketball
Chris Mokma Takes Helm of South Christian Baseball Team
Week 4 Highlights from Washington High School Football
West Rowan Shortstop Reese Poole Commits to UNC Greensboro
Baldwin High School Prioritizes Player Safety Amid Struggles
Charlie Ward Named Head Coach of FAMU Basketball
Jalen Montonati Chooses Oklahoma State University
Sparta High School Basketball Coach Resigns
Layna Ayala Commits to Florida State University

Additional Resources