In 19 years of working as a teacher-coach, being an assistant coach was the job Jessica Barber loved the most.

The former Franklinton High basketball star sees her new role as director of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association as a variation on that theme. The LHSAA announced Barber’s hiring in a Wednesday press release.

She is the first woman to hold the LHSCA position and succeeds Eric Held, who accepted a job as LSU football’s director of alumni relations and high school outreach during the spring.

“For me, this is the opportunity to be an assistant coach for over 400 schools and all the LHSAA sports,” Barber said. “I think my personality and ability to build relationships will make this a fun transition for me.

“I know I’m the first female and that comes with its own excitem

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