Kirby Willoughby

LCA Director of Athletics. All CATS everything. Family. Friends. The beach.

[Kentucky Women's Soccer @UKWomensSoccer]

An amazing leader and an even better person. Mr. Barnhart, we cannot thank you for all you have done for Kentucky.

[Kirby Willoughby @Kbwilloughby]

@WildcatsTongue Hmm which sport are you referring to?

[BBN Tonight @BBNTonight]

UK Athletics has been completely transformed under longtime AD, Mitch Barnhart... LITERALLY!

Here's a look at some of the major campus renovations spearheaded by Barnhart throughout his career in the Bluegrass #BBN ⤵️

[BBN Tonight @BBNTonight]

Mitch Barnhart's legacy will live on throughout collegiate athletics. Just look at that AD tree!

And check out these pictures, shared by Dewayne Peevy earlier this month, showing how some of those former staffers celebrated Barnhart ahead of his retirement #BBN

[Blue Chips Media @BlueChipsBBN]

One of the best in the country at everything 😼

In a recent article by @CBSSports, @UKAthletics was named the 15th best school in the country during the 2025-26 athletic seasons 🙌

[BBN Tonight @BBNTonight]

"He'll be sorely missed but his influence is going to continue to be felt"

Mark Pope on Mitch Barnhart's 24-year career with the Wildcats, including the past 2 years they've spent together at UK ⬇️ #BBN

[Kentucky Athletics @UKAthletics]

Thank you, Mr. Barnhart! 💙💙💙

[Blue Chips Media @BlueChipsBBN]

On his final day as the Athletics Director for Kentucky, @UKMitchBarnhart took to X to share a farewell message to BBN 💙

Take a look at what our AD for the past 24 years had to say to Big Blue Nation as he enters retirement ⬇️🤝

[Larry Cash @LarryWCash]

He couldn’t leave without one more visit to @UK_KFund!

I was a student at UK when @UKMitchBarnhart was hired, had the opportunity to intern under his leadership, and was fortunate to work full-time for UK Athletics during two different chapters of my career. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and trust he’s given me along the way.

I’ll definitely miss the road trips across the Commonwealth. Wishing you nothing but the very best for you and your family in this next chapter.

All the best, Boss Man!

[BBN Tonight @BBNTonight]

Mitch Barnhart's decision to give Craig Skinner his first collegiate head coaching opportunity changed the trajectory of the program - and the sport! - forever

Skinner is one of several Barnhart hires who went on to become their program's winningest coach #BBN

[Terry Meiners ™️ @terrymeiners]

It was good to greet Mitch yesterday at the Kenny Klein funeral. @UKMitchBarnhart has been a constant positive force for @UKAthletics. Congratulations on a job well done. Thanks for being an excellent broadcast partner @840WHAS. Cheers! 🏆

[Kentucky Men’s Basketball @KentuckyMBB]

For all the wins, championships, memories, and endless support, unwavering belief in UK Men’s Basketball, and an amazing 24-year run, thank you, Mr. Barnhart. 💙

[Kentucky Football @UKFootball]

Thank you, Mr. Barnhart, for your tireless dedication to the Big Blue Nation and for leaving Kentucky Athletics stronger than you found it. Congratulations on an extraordinary career, and best wishes in retirement.

[Mitch Barnhart @UKMitchBarnhart]

From the bottom of our hearts, Connie and I want to thank everyone who has reached out over the past few months and days. We're overwhelmed with gratitude. The last 24 years serving at the @universityofky have been the honor of our lives. 💙🙏

[Slax @slax0]

Of course on his last day at UK, Mr. B stops in the Comms/PR office to tell US thanks. You’re the best. We thank YOU, @UKMitchBarnhart, for all you’ve done for UK Athletics these last 24 years. We love you! Happy retirement!

[Evan Crane @EvanCraneKY]

Mr. B’s last day.

From volunteer student to intern to full time, he always made me feel valued, part of the team. A great college administrator and elite human being.

A legacy that will impact generations.

(He let me keep his Duke of Paducah plaque.)

[Kentucky Women’s Golf @KentuckyWGolf]

An extraordinary guy fulfilled an extraordinary purpose.

Now it’s time to enjoy retirement (and maybe a little golf), @UKMitchBarnhart. 💙

[Kentucky Women’s Basketball @KentuckyWBB]

The impact of great leadership is measured in the people it empowers.

Thank you, Mr. Barnhart, for 24 years of supporting Kentucky Women’s Basketball and helping build a foundation that will last for years to come. 💙

[Corey Price @coreyp08]

Thank you for 24 amazing years with @UKAthletics, @UKMitchBarnhart!

[BBN Tonight @BBNTonight]

"In the summer of 2005, I met the greatest leader I've ever met in my life"

Earlier this spring, an emotional Nick Mingione reflected on Mitch Barnhart's time with the Wildcats, on and off the field #BBN