Barbara Jacket's remarkable athletic journey began at a young age, playing softball at 10 years old before excelling in basketball and track during her high school years in Port Arthur, Texas. Graduating from Tuskegee Institute in 1958, Jacket swiftly transitioned into coaching track and field, marking the start of an illustrious career. 

 From 1965 to 1991, Jacket led her teams to unprecedented success, claiming numerous national titles, including eight NAIA outdoor titles and two indoor titles. Additionally, her teams secured victories in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and the U.S. Track and Field Federation, showcasing her versatility as a coach. At the conference level, Jacket's dominance was evident with eight SWAC cross-country titles, nine indoor titles, and five outdoor titles. 

 Jacket's coaching prowess earned her widespread recognition, with an impressive tally of 23 SWAC Coach of the Year awards and five NAIA Coach of the Year accolades. Under her guidance, her teams amassed a total of 23 SWAC championships and produced 57 All-Americans. 

 In 1990, Jacket made history by becoming the first and only female athletic director in the SWAC, assuming the role at Prairie View A&M University. However, her influence extended beyond collegiate athletics when she was appointed as the coach of the 1992 U.S. Women's Olympic Track Team. 

 Coaching legendary athletes such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Gwen Torrance, Gail Devers, and Evelyn Ashford, Jacket guided the team to unparalleled success, clinching four Gold Medals, three Silver Medals, and three Bronze Medals. This achievement marked a significant milestone, with the team's medal haul being the highest since 1956. 

 Throughout her tenure of over 30 years at Prairie View A&M University, including 25 years as head women's track and field and cross-country coach, Jacket's impact on the sport was profound and enduring, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer and visionary in track and field coaching. She was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.