TicketsConnor Barnes joined the University of Cincinnati Athletics staff as an Associate Athletic Trainer for men’s basketball in May 2026. In his role, he oversees the day-to-day medical care of the Bearcats men’s basketball program, with responsibilities including injury prevention, rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
Barnes began his athletic training career as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Indiana State University, where he worked with the Terre Haute North High School boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, wrestling and baseball programs. He then spent 12 years at Xavier University, working with several programs including men’s soccer, baseball, women’s basketball and men’s basketball. During his time with Xavier’s men’s basketball program, Barnes was part of two NCAA Tournament teams, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023. He also spent his final two years at Xavier as Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Department, overseeing staff and administrative responsibilities, including student-athlete insurance, departmental policies and procedures, and electronic platforms. Additionally, he served as a preceptor for Xavier’s Master of Athletic Training program, working with graduate students during their clinical rotations.
A native of St. Louis, Mo., Barnes earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Xavier University in 2012 before earning a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Indiana State University in 2014. He has been a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer since 2012 and a licensed athletic trainer in Ohio since 2014. Barnes is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and has been a member of the Greater Cincinnati Athletic Trainers Association since 2014, serving as secretary from 2020-24.
Barnes holds certifications in Graston Technique, dry needling and Blood Flow Restriction Training, as well as CPR/AED certification. In 2024, he was named the HealthyRoster Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Outside of work, Barnes enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, golfing, playing recreational hockey, hiking and building Legos with his son. He and his wife, Corinne, have two children, Kieran and Harper.