RALEIGH, N.C. -  Meredith College has announced a leadership transition within Meredith Athletics following the retirement of Director of Athletics Jackie Myers. Beginning July 1, Fiona Barkley assumed leadership responsibilities at Meredith Athletics.

After previously serving as Director of Athletics from 2002 through 2023, Myers returned prior to the 2024-25 academic year to provide leadership, guidance and support for the department.

In her return to Meredith, Myers added to her already extensive legacy, as shown by her induction into the USA South Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in Fall 2025. Early in her tenure at Meredith, she was influential in facilitating the Avenging Angels' move into the USA South in 2007, subsequently helping Meredith become a consistent and respected competitor within the league.

Under Myers' guidance, Meredith Athletics produced 38 USA South Conference Championships and 20 NCAA Tournament appearances. She led the department addition of multiple varsity sports, including lacrosse, field hockey, indoor and outdoor track and field, and most recently, flag football.

"I am profoundly grateful to Meredith College for the extraordinary privilege of serving as Athletic Director for two remarkable decades," said Myers. "Having the opportunity to return to this role for an additional two years has been a deeply cherished bonus, allowing me to witness firsthand the continued growth, resilience, and passion of our student-athletes and staff."

Barkley, who most recently served as Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs and Senior Woman Administrator before taking over leadership from Myers, has held numerous roles within the Meredith athletic department since joining as Head Volleyball Coach in 2007.

"I want to first thank Jackie Myers for her incredible leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to Meredith Athletics," said Barkley. "She has built a department and culture that so many people are proud to be part of, and I am honored to build on the foundation she created."

As head coach, Barkley amassed nearly 300 wins leading Meredith Volleyball, was a two-time USA South Coach of the Year, and led the team to six USA South Conference Championships.

"I also want to thank President Aimee Sapp for her trust and confidence in me and for the opportunity to serve Meredith College in this role," Barkley said. "Meredith has been my home for nearly two decades, and I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead. I look forward to working alongside our coaches and staff as we continue to provide an outstanding experience for our student-athletes and build on Meredith's tradition of excellence."

Meredith Athletics enters its next chapter with a continued commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and growing upon the department's tradition of excellence, both in competition and in the classroom.