Waterville, ME — Levi Barnes '16 is living proof that success is built through hard work, dedication, grit, and determination. His journey at Thomas College was never about shortcuts or instant recognition, it was about commitment, growth, and showing up every day ready to put in the work.
A four-year member of the men's basketball program, Levi approached each season with discipline and purpose. That dedication resulted in one of the most accomplished careers in program history. He earned NAC Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman, followed by three NAC First Team selections during his collegiate career. During his junior season, Levi finished as a top scorer in the nation, cementing his place among the elite players in Division III basketball. By the time his career concluded, he stood as the second all-time leading scorer in Thomas College history with 1,859 total points.
Several moments still stand out as defining memories of Levi's time in a Terriers uniform — including a 40-point performance against Castleton, a half-court buzzer-beater to force overtime against the same rival during his sophomore season, and the countless hours of preparation that led to him becoming one of the most prolific scorers in program history. For Levi, these moments represent more than highlights; they reflect the work behind the scenes and the commitment required to compete at the highest level.
While his accomplishments on the court were significant, Levi reflects just as proudly on the relationships he built along the way. The discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance learned through basketball shaped him far beyond the game itself.
Following graduation, Levi pursued an overseas tryout opportunity before transitioning into coaching and education. He coached at Cony High School alongside mentor T.J. Maines before beginning his career as a Special Education Teacher. Since 2020, Levi has worked with the Augusta School Department, teaching and coaching, bringing the same patience, resilience, and leadership into the classroom that once defined his athletic career.
Levi credits T.J. Maines, Professor Wallace, and Professor McPhee Brown as key influences in his development, pushing him to work harder, stay focused, and demand more of himself every single day.
Levi Barnes' path shows that characteristics built through athletics doesn't stop when eligibility runs out. The grit, discipline, and determination he developed at Thomas continues to shape who he is today, guiding the way he leads, teaches, and giving back to future collegiate basketball players.
