Q & A With Shawn Barry

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Shawn Barry, a freshman defender from Miramar, Fla., recently checked in with VirginiaSports.com to talk about his first year with the men’s soccer team. UVa hits the road for a Saturday night match at VCU before returning to Klckner Stadium to open ACC play on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

Question: The team earned two wins over the weekend at George Mason and home against Hofstra. Is there a feeling of momentum heading into your match at VCU?
Barry: Since starting out 0-2, it was great to get two wins back-to-back and jumpstart our season. The George Mason game in particular I felt like we came together as a team to get the overtime win. At halftime, we were down 2-0, and we knew we would have to step it up, which we did. As far as VCU, we’re working on continuing to focus on working as a team and working on our tactics.

Question: How would you describe your first few weeks at college?
Barry: Hectic! But, I’ve had to deal with being in school and playing soccer all of my life, but the amount of both in college definitely takes some getting used to.

Question: Is there a class you are particularly enjoying? Have you thought about a major?
Barry: I like criminology and I may major in forensic science.

Question: What do you miss most about Florida?
Barry: Well the thing I don’t miss is the humidity, because once you go outside in Florida you immediately start sweating. I miss my mom’s cooking the most because we are from Puerto Rico, so we all love that Puerto Rican food.

Question: Will your mom be able to come up for a game?
Barry: She’ll be here for the NC State game with my sister.

Question: Looking ahead to the ACC schedule, is there a particular game you are looking forward to?
Barry: I’m looking forward to the Virginia Tech game since it is a rivalry. I’m also really looking forward to playing Maryland here on Halloween.

Question: Is there a soccer player you looked up to as a kid or tried to model your game after?
Barry: I’m a defender, but I look up to Thierry Henry because of the way he plays. When I play forward, I try to play like him. Defensively, I like Theo Walcott.

Question: Why did you choose Virginia?
Barry: Because of the academic support. There are so many people here looking out for your best interests and that’s why I chose UVa.

Question: Do you have any hidden talents?
Barry: Well if I score this year, you’ll see a back flip.