About This Section: From local high school stars to Division I athletes, these players didn’t just dream big. They put in the hours for their number on the team through club grinds, high school battles, and key moments. Every step was earned and reflects the commitment that carried them to the college game.
We are pleased to feature SDSU basketball’s Bailey Barnhard for our inaugural story in this section.
Bailey Barnhard
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Basketball
High School: Del Norte HS
College: San Diego State University
Club Team: San Diego PBC (3rd - 8th grade)
Club Team: Sports Academy Swish (high school)
To play collegiately in Division 1, athletes must be exceptional among their high school peers, and Barnhard’s stats confirm that she was: Among more than 40,000 high school players since 1975, Barnhard’s stats fill the record books. Her numbers place her in rarified air.
CIF-San Diego Records (since 1975, among 40,000+ players):
3rd most career rebounds (1,476)
10th and 18th most career rebounds in a single season (461 and 412)
10th most career free throws made (498)
15th highest career free-throw percentage (73.0%)
21st most career points (2,149)
High School Accolades
Averaged 24 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game and shot 56% from the field in her senior year.
Scored over 2,000 points
Selected All-CIF three times
Was an all-academic athlete all four years.
Named the 2024 Winter Mission Fed Winter North County Conference Student-Athlete of the Year
Helped Del Norte win the CIF San Diego Division 1 Championship as a sophomore.
Helped Del Norte finish as a finalist in the CIF San Diego Open Division as a junior.
What prepared you for the transition to college basketball?
“My club team and schedule really helped prepare me for what college practices would be like and what to expect. Also, just working with my dad (who played basketball for USD) allowed me to put in work early, so the jump wasn’t that drastic.”
Was there a specific moment, such as a showcase, highlight game, or conversation with a coach, that you feel really opened the door to playing D1 basketball?”
“In the Tournament of Champions - Chicago, the summer before my junior year, certain opportunities came about that allowed me to step into a bigger role on my team, and it helped me get a lot more recognition and conversations after that tournament.”
What is your advice for high school athletes who want to compete in Division 1:
“Stay consistent in (your) work ethic and always have a good attitude if you’re on the bench or on the court. Make sure you control the controllables.”
Looking back on your pre-college years, what would you tell your younger self?
“Everything in my journey has led me to where I’m at, and I’m very grateful and blessed to be in this position. The only thing I would’ve worked harder on is my confidence level, and not letting it get shaken in certain circumstances.”