Kevin Barnett is the most recent inductee into Naperville North’s “Learners to Leaders” alumni hall of fame.
After graduating from North in 1992, Barnett went on to play volleyball for the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. To honor his achievements, the school presented him with the award at a special ceremony before a boys home volleyball game.
Later in the week, Barnett spoke to students about his time as an Olympic athlete, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
“What you are now isn’t necessarily what you’re going to be, and that’s up to you and the people around you,” said Barnett to a group of students. “I’m fortunate to have had a lot of good people around me, good coaches, good family. Take advantage of those things. This is a terrific, terrific high school, it really is.”
After his volleyball career ended, Barnett began a new career in broadcasting, currently doing play-by-play, hosting and being an analyst for several sports on several major networks.
Barnett now lives in California with his family.
Naperville New 17’s Evan Summers reports.
