Lipscomb Cross Country/Track & Field Adds Hannah Wright and Mackenzie Barnett to Coaching Staff
7/1/2026 12:00:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Men's Track and Field, Women's Cross Country, Women's Track and Field
NASHVILLE, TN – Lipscomb Cross Country/Track & Field has announced the addition of two familiar faces to its coaching staff, welcoming former standout student-athletes Hannah Wright and Mackenzie Barnett as assistant coaches.
Wright officially began her role as Assistant Track & Field Coach/Recruiting Coordinator on June 1, focusing primarily on sprints and hurdles. A Franklin, Tennessee native and Centennial High School graduate, Wright returns to Lipscomb after completing her Master of Professional Studies in Leadership in 2026. She previously earned her bachelor's degree from Lee University before joining the Bisons as a graduate student-athlete.
During her time at Lipscomb, Wright became one of the most accomplished hurdlers in program history. She holds the school records in both the indoor 60-meter hurdles (8.42) and outdoor 100-meter hurdles (13.82) while capturing the 2026 ASUN Indoor Championship in the 60-meter hurdles. She earned All-ASUN honors during both the indoor and outdoor seasons and competed in the hurdles, sprints, relays, and combined events throughout her career.
Beyond competition, Wright served as a leader within the Lipscomb athletics community through Fellowship of Christian Athletes and multiple Lipscomb Athletics mission trips. Her commitment to faith, leadership, and mentorship reflects the values of the program she now returns to help lead.
"Hannah brings a unique perspective to our coaching staff—she knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, understands the demands of being a student-athlete, and has a strong desire to coach and mentor others who are following in her footsteps," said Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson.
Meanwhile, Barnett joins the program as Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach on July 1 and will begin her coaching duties on July 6 following a mission trip in Africa.
Barnett returns to Lipscomb after a decorated four-year career as one of the most accomplished distance runners in school history. A Columbus, Indiana native, she graduated from Lipscomb in 2025 with a degree in Elementary Education.
Barnett owns the school record in the women's 10,000m with a time of 33:44.99 and ranks among the top five all-time in nearly every distance event. Her career accolades include First Team All-ASUN honors, 2024 ASUN Women's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and 2021 ASUN Women's Cross Country Freshman of the Year. She also qualified individually for the 2024 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships, finishing 75th nationally, while earning multiple All-ASUN and two ASUN All-Academic Team honors.
Following graduation, Barnett spent the past year teaching second grade at Carter Lawrence Elementary while serving as Assistant Cross Country Coach at Lipscomb Academy. Her combined experience in education and coaching provides a strong foundation for mentoring student-athletes both academically and athletically.
"Mackenzie's commitment to faith-based service is evident through her current mission work in Africa, reflecting the values that define Lipscomb athletics," noted Hutcheson. "Her recent competitive experience, deep understanding of our program culture, and passion for developing young athletes make her an ideal addition to our coaching staff."
Wright and Barnett are both strong additions to the Lipscomb coaching staff as the Bisons prepare for the upcoming 2026 cross country season and continue building on the program's tradition of success in both cross country and track & field.
