Brad Barnhart first involvement with San Antonio Sports came in 1998 when we hosted the NCAA Final Four. In 2019, Brad re-connected with our non-profit after being away for 20 years traveling other parts of the world with the U.S. Air Force. “I resumed volunteering with San Antonio Sports because it’s fun! The athletes in events dedicate hours of hard work and often sacrifice personal opportunities to prepare for their athletic challenges. I really appreciate the opportunity to be part of their adventure.”
Brad has been a valuable member of the team as he understands how sports events work from past experiences. “I’ve been an athlete all my life and often been part of game operations, so I recognize the critical role volunteers play to make every event run smoothly.”
A keen basketball player himself, Brad’s favorite event is the UIL Basketball Championships in the Alamodome. “I’ve been a basketball player my whole life and appreciate the nuances of the sport. It’s great to see the excitement in the players’ eyes as I escort them into the arena for the first time.” The power of sport is also evident at this event. “Seeing the emotions, from the thrill of winning to the pain of losing, always leaves an impact on me as I know they will remember these games for the rest of their lives. It makes me very proud to be a part of the event.”
Brad hails from a small town, and his most memorable moment volunteering happened while escorting a small school team at the UIL Basketball Championship which covers 1A to 6A teams. “I graduated from a class of 33 students, so I can appreciate the challenges and politics that go along with small town sports. Preparing to depart the Dome after defeat, the coach and his wife both made a point to walk out of their way to shake my hand and say thanks for helping the team with the visit. It is one of the most genuine thanks I’ve ever received and it made me feel like much more than a volunteer at that event.”
Brad credits San Antonio Sports’ programs for helping communities in San Antonio and the nation, and expressed the fulfilment that volunteering can bring. “Just as the athletes are preparing for the events, volunteering takes time and effort, but the experiences are well worth it.” We appreciate the passion and time that Brad brings to the team!
If you’d like to be a part of our volunteer team, learn about upcoming opportunities by visiting our website.