Joy Anna Barry, Student-Athlete-Women's Soccer
In the mid-1990's, Ventura College, under the leadership of Coach Steve Hoffman, implemented a woman's soccer program. In 1996, Joy Barry enrolled at Ventura College. By the time Joy's two-years ended, she emerged as the first of a number of truly great soccer players at Ventura College, and one of the best all around female Pirate athletes to ever attend VC.
Prior to attending VC, Joy was highly honored as a high school soccer player at Thousand Oaks HS, where she earned All-Marmonte League First Team honors as a sophomore.
Joy Anna Barry attended VC during the 1996-1998 school years. During her freshman year in 1996, Joy was the MVP and named first team all-WSC; she was subsequently named 2nd Team All-American. Joy was selected as team captain and MVP of the Pirate soccer team, where she was the leading scorer as a defender. Joy was named the All-Regional Player of the Year.
Joy enjoyed even more success as a sophomore. Her awards included being named the National Soccer Coaches' Association Player of the Year, Adidas First Team All American, and the Ventura County Star's County Player of the Year for a second consecutive season. Also, Joy was selected as MVP of the WSC for the second straight year. Finally, Joy was named VC's Female Athlete of the Year.
As for her individual accomplishments, Joy again was elected as team Captain, and she set a VC record by scoring 83 points over two years.
During Joy's freshman year, members of the VC football coaching staff noted Joy's ability to kick a soccer ball, not only for distance, but with accuracy. Joy was eventually added to the football team as an extra point kicker for her freshman and sophomore year. To date, she remains the only female to play on a VC football team.
Steve Hoffman, Joy's coach, stated, "Joy is easily one of the most decorated athletes ever to attend VC. She brought credibility and recognition to the first-year program."
Joy continued to participate in minor league football for teams throughout the U.S. She was a place kicker for the California Dolphins (1998), the Chicago Panthers (1999) and in the West Coast Football League (2005-2006). Most recently, Joy kicked for the Inglewood Blackhawks football team (2007).
Joy has coached soccer at Westlake and Royal High Schools and she currently resides in Thousand Oaks.
