MONROE, CT — A mostly-dominant era, or a chapter anyway, is coming to an end at Masuk High. If the Panthers’ softball team is to continue its conference and state championship success, it will be without longtime Coach Leigh Barone.
Masuk High announced on Friday that Barone is stepping down after a decade of remarkable leadership, leaving behind one of the most successful coaching legacies in Connecticut high school athletics.
During her 10-year tenure, Barone compiled an extraordinary career record of 233-27, guiding the Panthers to unprecedented success at both the state and conference levels.
Photo by James Falco
Under Barone, Masuk set a Connecticut state record by winning seven consecutive CIAC Class L State Championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025; no playoff in 2020 due to the coronavirus). The Panthers also secured seven South-West Conference titles (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025).
Barone’s influence extended well beyond the wins and championships. Over her career, she coached 18 student-athletes who went on to play collegiate softball and mentored two Connecticut State Players of the Year, Kat Gallant and Julia Bacoulis.
Her accolades reflect her impact: she was named the 2018 and 2024 CHSCA Coach of the Year, 2018 GameTime CT Coach of the Year, the 2024 Connecticut Sports Media Alliance’s Doc McInerney Female Coach of the Year, and was named GameTime CT Female Coach of the year in 2025.
Masuk Principal Steve Swensen praised Barone’s leadership.
“The Masuk softball program under Coach Barone has been an example that all other programs should be measured against,” Swensen said. “She set high standards for all student-athletes and supported them in meeting and exceeding them. For any team or program to experience the success they have achieved is a testament to her dedication and commitment.”
Athletic Director Brian Hourigan added, “Leigh is the gold standard for coaching. While her on-field accomplishments are truly remarkable, I have had the unique perspective of seeing her work on a daily basis. Her dedication to her players and coaching staff is incredible, and her commitment to daily excellence is unmatched. She is a devoted educator and mother, and she will be deeply missed at Masuk.”
Barone, who also teaches Spanish at Jockey Hollow Middle School, balanced her coaching career with family life. She and her husband are parents to two young children, Hudson and Layton, both born during softball seasons — a testament to her resilience and commitment to her team.
Reflecting on her time at Masuk, Barone expressed gratitude for the players, families, coaches and community who contributed to the program’s success.
“The success our program has had throughout the years takes a village,” she said. “I am so grateful for the many athletes that have helped shape who I am as a coach and for the hard work they put in year round with the goals to becoming pieces to the current and continuing success of the Masuk softball program, for my assistant coaches for their dedication to the players and the program, and to the administration and Monroe community for your constant support.”
“Coaching and mentoring the players, and even teaching some of them in the classroom throughout the past 11 years, has been such an honor and a journey that will be part of me I will never forget,” Barone said.
Barone leaves behind not only an unparalleled record of championships, but also a culture of excellence, positivity and mutual respect that will define Masuk softball for generations to come.
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