Kelis Barton

Barton enrolled early at Washington State University to play in the spring 2018 season. During her fall freshman season, she appeared in 16 of the Cougs 20 matches, recording 535 minutes of playing time. 

As a sophomore, Barton anchored the Cougs’ backline and played in 17 matches and contributed to seven clean sheets. On the offensive side of the pitch, Barton recorded her first point for Washington State at a crucial time, notching an assist in a 3-0 victory over West Virginia to send the Cougs to their first Elite Eight NCAA Tournament appearance. Barton’s season ended with an ACL injury in the next round (against South Carolina) although the Cougs would continue on to the semifinals (loss versus North Carolina). 

Barton returned from injury to play 11 matches in the 2020 season. She started four of her 17 appearances during her final season with Washington State University, recording one assist against Northern Colorado on September 19. She made her third NCAA Tournament appearance when the Cougs made the Round of 32. 

Barton transferred to the University of Central Florida for her final year of eligibility, playing 1,199 minutes and recording two assists. 

Barton studied journalism and multimedia production and founded the Black Student Athlete Association at Washington State University.