Montverde, Fla. (April 13, 2026)-- Montverde Academy proudly celebrates a historic milestone for its girls basketball program, as former standout Janiah Barker '22 has become the first player in program history to be selected in the WNBA Draft. Barker was chosen in the second round with the 29th overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces.
Barker's selection marks a significant achievement not only in her basketball journey but also in the continued rise of Montverde Academy's girls basketball program on the national stage.
Barker spent the 2021-22 season at Montverde Academy, where she played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to the program's first of three consecutive Chipotle High School National Championships. During that championship campaign, Barker led the team in scoring with 16.3 points per game and rebounding at 9.1 boards per contest.
Her impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as Barker etched her name in program history by becoming the first Montverde Academy girls basketball player to earn McDonald's All-American Game honors. She was also recognized as a MaxPreps All-American Honorable Mention, further solidifying her place among the nation's elite high school players.
After graduating from MVA in 2022, Barker attended Texas A&M University for two years before transferring to UCLA for her junior year, before spending her senior year at the University of Tennessee.
Barker's historic draft selection continues Montverde Academy's tradition of developing elite talent prepared to compete at the highest levels of the game. Her success serves as an inspiration for current and future Eagles, as the program continues to grow its national presence.
About Montverde Academy:
Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 70+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com.
