Faculty Profile:

Tressa Barnes

Office:  East Education 227

Title: Athletic Director, Interim Director of the Nikao Leadership Institute, Assistant Professor of Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Sports Management

Started at Calvary: January 2010

Professional Information:  B.S. (Biblical Counseling), Calvary University, 2005; M.S. (Physical Education, Health, & Recreation), Emporia State University, 2016.

Favorite aspect of teaching at Calvary: 

• Teaching concepts and principles to students, which are biblically based and provide the practical knowledge they need to be successful in their careers.
• Watching the students apply some of those principles within their teams as a coach or a player; then, having them come back with feedback. It shows me they are being challenged to look beyond their abilities and are willing to try something new.

Favorite class to teach:  Sports Psychology is one of my favorite classes. Each student taking the course will understand more about their strengths and weaknesses and how to help others from a biblical perspective. It also allows them to gain more insight into new and different perspectives when it comes to competition.

Originally from: Tucson, AZ

Favorite memory as a Calvary student:  In the Spring when it would finally get warm, we would play softball on Friday and Saturday nights. Most of the time we would play until almost midnight with the lights on the field. It was so much fun getting a group of 20 people or so and just playing the game.

How did past ministry/professional experience lead to your position at Calvary:  I always knew God had called me to be a coach for either volleyball or basketball. Having played both sports for many years and then coached them for many years, when the position became available, I knew I was supposed to be at Calvary coaching.

Ministry/Professional involvement outside of Calvary: 

• I am currently involved in a church plant in Lee’s Summit. Just recently we had our first VBS camp as a church. I am also involved in their women’s bible study.
• I give volleyball and basketball lessons to middle school and high school students in the community around Calvary. It gives me the opportunity to mentor and share Christ’s love with these players.