CINCINNATI — With March Madness continuing this weekend, the Xavier men’s basketball team is gearing up for its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017. But there’s one guy behind the scenes that’s making sure all those athletes on the court are staying healthy.


What You Need To Know

  • Connor Barnes knew he wanted to be an athletic trainer when he started his undergrad degree at Xavier

  • His goal was to become the men's basketball athletic trainer at Xavier

  • Now, after several years at the university working with other sports, Barnes got the call to move to the men's basketball team

  • Barnes said it's been a full-circle moment being with the team during this tournament run

Connor Barnes greets every player that comes into the athletic training room by name. That’s because Barnes sees these athletes every day, taping ankles and providing treatment to injured players. Barnes knew he wanted to be an athletic trainer when he was a student at Xavier, and now he’s doing just that for the iconic basketball program.

Barnes tapes a player's ankle ahead of practice. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“When I was a freshman, it was you’re camping out, doing all the fun stuff as a big-time fan," Barnes said. "Now, it’s kind of crazy to be on the other side of things.”

Barnes was hired at Xavier after he completed his master's — something he always hoped for, but didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“I knew I wanted to come back to Xavier at some point in my career. I didn’t know when," he said. "It just so happened to be the first job out of grad school. I spent three years with men’s soccer, five years with women’s basketball. The goal was always to work my way up to the men. And so, to see that come full circle, is great.”

Now, in his first year with the men’s basketball team, he’s on the ride of his life as the Musketeers are headed back to the Sweet 16 after six years.

Barnes spends a lot of his time before practice taping ankles, wrists and fingers. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“When I was in college, we went to three Sweet 16’s in the four years I was here, so it just feels like we’re back where we’re supposed to be," he said.

Now, he’s packing his bags for Kansas City.

“When I’m on the road, it’s like bringing seven different things with me," Barnes said. "So I try to find a luggage cart at the hotel and just try to navigate my way through. It’s a lot of stuff but you need like a mobile training room when you’re there five days.”

And keeping his athletes prepared for the biggest game of the season.

“There’s a little added pressure now this time of year, but I think that’s true for anyone that’s still playing," Barnes said.

But between all the chaos, Barnes said he hopes to take an extra moment ahead of the game Friday.

Barnes embraces a player during a game. (Connor Barnes)

“This is something I’ve watched on TV for years and years and years," he said. "And now to actually be in this position and be on the bench, it’s certainly something I want to take a moment to soak it all in.”

The No. 3 seeded Xavier Musketeers are facing the No. 2 seeded Texas Longhorns on Friday night at 9:45 p.m. in Kansas City. If they win, they head on to the Elite Eight.