Q&A with Jeremy Barlow

Story Links

Question: How has your role on the team changed since your first year?

Barlow: It’s changed a lot, actually. My first year, I played the position that Chris Tierney and Matt Mitchell are currently playing, outside midfielder; the guy who is supposed to be scoring goals. Second year, I played more of a withdrawn outside midfielder, and third year I didn’t play that much. Now I play a center mid position, which is different from what I’ve ever played.

Question: How has the offense had to compensate for the loss of Adam Cristman and Nico Colaluca?

Barlow: Our current players have the talent to fill those roles, and we’re also playing a different formation, so the guys that we have now fit in really well, and it’s been great.

Question: Coach Gelnovatch has you playing a different formation now, with five midfielders. How has this been for you?

Barlow: I love it. I have a lot of fun playing it. I think we have more of the ball than we have in past years.

Question: What is it like to play alongside your younger brother, Neil?

Barlow: It’s a lot of fun. I haven’t done it since senior year of high school, and even then he wasn’t a starter. Now that he’s gotten a starting role this year, it’s been a lot of fun.

Question: What are you and the offense doing to prepare for North Carolina this weekend?

We’ve been looking at the scouting report and it looks as if they have a really good back four. We’re going to have to look for a way to get past them and score some goals.

Question: Have you been able to step into a leadership role this season?

Barlow: Yes, more so than in past years. Now that I’m a fourth year, there’s been some times where I’ve had to step it up more than I’ve ever had to before.

Question: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Trying to win a national championship.

Question: How has what you learned as a Virginia soccer player going to carry over to life post-graduation?

Barlow: If I continue playing soccer, then Virginia has definitely helped me mature as a player, and of course, become a better one. If I don’t continue playing, then the maturity level that this program has helped me reach is going to help me no matter what I do.