Barb Perkins

Meet Coach Barb

Barbara Perkins grew up in Carson City, Nevada. She is a coach, triathlete and cancer survivor. Growing up, she played soccer, swam and ran. She went to Saint Mary’s College of California where she played club water polo and is currently pursuing her MBA at University of Denver. Barbara did her first triathlon in 2009 and has been doing them ever since. She is the University of Denver’s Head Triathlon Coach for the Women’s Triathlon Team. Under her leadership, Denver has earned individual podiums, All-American honors and Academic All-American awards, including an individual National Championship title in 2023. Barbara is an advocate for women in sport and remains active in sport leadership as the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association’s Vice President following three years as its Division-I representative.

Barbara Perkins is first to cross the finish line in the women's division at the 2019 Ironman Santa Rosa triathlon held in Sonoma County, CA on May 11, 2019.

How long have you been coaching?

11 years!

What motivated you to begin coaching?

I was working in a law office and was trying to figure out what made me happy. So I decided to quit my job, move across the country and pursue coaching full time. I have zero regrets.

Types of athletes or race distances you prefer to coach?

My favorite types of athletes are people who want to be part of the process. They want to learn and grow together in the coach-athlete relationship. Someone who wants to challenge themselves and see what they are capable of. Helping a person find that in themselves is my absolute favorite part of coaching!

What is your coaching philosophy?

Trust. Belief. Communication. I want us to trust each other. Both believe in the other and in the process. And to be comfortable communicating anything to each other. If we can achieve these things, we will build a strong and special coach/athlete relationship with one another.

Coaching certifications and experience

USAT Level 1, USA Swimming Level 1, Masters Swimming Level 1 & 2, BFS Strength and Conditioning. I have been coaching athletes privately since 2014. I have been coaching triathlon at the University of Denver since 2020. Before that, I coached swimming at the Division 1 and 3 level across Indiana University, Montclair State University, Kean University and the Air Force Academy.

How did you get into the sport?

During the summer between sophomore and junior year of college, one of my friends dared me to do a triathlon. That summer I trained for and raced my first sprint distance triathlon. I absolutely fell in love with triathlon and have been doing them ever since.