All-State Volleyball Star Kate Barba Chooses SUNY Geneseo

Huntington senior Kate Barba has finalized her plans to study at SUNY Geneseo and play on the college’s NCAA women’s volleyball team. The teenager has excelled on and off the court, compiling an overall academic grade average of 99.15 while setting single season and all-time volleyball records for the Blue Devils.

“Academically and athletically, I really feel that SUNY Geneseo is the perfect fit for me,” Ms. Barba said. “It was No. 1 on my list of schools. Geneseo has a very strong academic reputation. I plan to major in psychology and pursue a career in law enforcement after graduation.”

Ms. Barba turned in a historic season last fall for the Huntington varsity girls’ volleyball team. She shattered the single season record for kills with 361 and broke the all-time Blue Devil mark of 636. “Kate was arguably one of the best players in the county this season,” head coach Todd Donaghy said. “I’d say Kate had the best season statistically that any Blue Devil had in the history of girls’ volleyball here at Huntington. Kate led Suffolk in kills and was in the top five for digs and service aces.”

The Huntington senior said she chose SUNY Geneseo for a variety of practical and personal reasons, including the size of its enrollment; the beauty of its campus and the appealing college community.

“SUNY Geneseo has small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio,” Ms. Barba said. “It is the perfect size for getting to know your classmates and teachers and being connected to the community on campus. It has a stunning campus with historic buildings, lush greenery and scenic views, providing an ideal setting for learning and living. The tight-knit community at Geneseo creates a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where students can form lasting friendships and meaningful connections with peers, faculty and staff.”

A certified lifeguard, Ms. Barba has also played on Huntington’s varsity softball team. She has been inducted into the high school’s National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Science Honor Society chapters. She volunteers with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity club and has volunteered with the Finley Middle School girls’ volleyball program.

Ms. Barba has been a student in Huntington UFSD since kindergarten. “All the schools I have gone to (Flower Hill, Woodhull, Finley and the high school) have been amazing,” she said. “Being in the same school district throughout my education has allowed me to form long-lasting relationships with classmates, teachers and staff.”

Ms. Barba has enjoyed her time at Huntington High School, but she’s ready to move on with her life and is happy to be doing it at SUNY Geneseo. “The volleyball program is very strong and I am excited to be part of the team for the next four years,” she said. “Being part of the team will help me with physical fitness, skill development, teamwork, leadership, time management and personal growth. Being part of the student athlete community is going to offer a holistic college experience that combines athletic excellence, personal development and a sense of belonging.”