Celebrate The Extraordinary

Barry Tarter is a recognized authority on youth athlete development, guiding athletes as they transition from middle school to high school, through college competition, and for some, into professional sports. As the Selection Committee Chairman for EXACT Rankings, Barry’s expertise centers on empowering student-athletes by recognizing their dedication and celebrating their accomplishments.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and his masters degree from the University of Chicago.

Barry has led groundbreaking work through partnerships with institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NCAA, where he secured over $1 million in research funding to explore the mental and behavioral development of youth athletes. This research, supported by the NCAA’s innovation funding and NIH grants, focuses on preventing negative outcomes for at-risk youth and identifying the mental attributes that contribute to team success and individual performance.  As a published researcher in multiple scientific journals, Barry leverages his decades of athlete development and prediction modeling to support positive outcomes of youth.

Under Barry’s leadership, EXACT Sports has become a pioneer in mental performance training, with programs designed to help athletes build resilience, confidence, and coachability. These are critical skills for athletes transitioning through various levels of competition, from middle school to college sports. Barry’s initiatives, such as the Mental Skills App and coach-led training sessions, provide comprehensive support to athletes, addressing not only their physical performance but also their personal growth off the field.

The EXACT Rankings platform is integral to celebrating youth athletes by providing a space for recognition and visibility. Events like the All State Game, International 11, and college showcase camps highlight not only athletic performance but also academic achievements, offering a holistic view of each athlete’s journey. The rankings and data-driven models developed under Barry’s guidance ensure that athletes from all backgrounds have access to the resources and recognition they need to succeed.

The mission of empowerment lies at the heart of Barry’s work. Through a combination of data analytics, mental training, and leadership development, Barry’s holistic approach to youth athlete development has helped thousands of student-athletes achieve their goals. By integrating research-driven insights from his work with the NIH and NCAA into platforms like EXACT Rankings, Barry ensures that athletes are continuously supported, celebrated, and connected to opportunities that foster both their athletic and personal success.