Clarksville, Ark.- Former University of the Ozarks baseball player Jacob Barker has been hired as the assistant baseball coach, head coach Aaron Gentry announced this week.     
     
Barker, a native of Russellville, was a standout pitcher for the Eagles from 2016-2018. The right-handed Barker went 3-1 as a senior while appearing in 11 games. His four saves that season ranked fifth in the conference. For his career, he ranks third at Ozarks in career saves with seven. He helped the Eagles to the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament his senior season. 

"I'm excited and proud to have a former player become a part of our staff," said Gentry. "It says a lot about our program and university that Coach Barker would want to come back to his alma mater and make a positive impact in the lives of our student-athletes. Coach Barker is motivated and smart. I have no doubt our program will continue to improve with him as our assistant coach."

Barker and his wife, Micaela '19, were married in 2020.

He earned his bachelor's degree in health science.