University of Minnesota Athletics
Five Minutes with Anna Barlow
5/3/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - GopherSports.com caught up with sophomore forward Anna Barlow to reflect on her college career so far, last season, and winning the NCAA Elite 90 Award, which is awarded to the student-athlete with the highest GPA at the national tournament.
Gopher Sports: What was your favorite part of this past season?
Anna Barlow: I'd say this year my favorite part of the season was just the relationships I've built with the girls on the team -- the team's chemistry in general both on and off the ice. I think that was my favorite part of the season, having chemistry with all the girls and having unity among the team.
GS: What was it like to go to the Frozen Four again this season?
AB: It never gets old. It's always a huge accomplishment. We were all so excited and pumped to go to St. Louis and be in the Frozen Four once again. It was an exciting time.
GS: What was it like to receive the NCAA Elite 90 award?
AB: I was really shocked because I wasn't expecting it. It is a nice award to get just because it shows that as an athlete you can balance athletics and academics. It was nice to get one that wasn't focused totally on hockey. My heart was racing once my name was called. As they were describing the award, I was sitting down listening and pretty relaxed. Even when they started describing the winner of the award, it didn't really cross my mind that it could be me. They said my name, and I think I put my hands over my face and was thinking, 'Oh my gosh!' It was fun and exciting. The girls made it a lot of fun as I walked up to the stage, cheering my name.
GS: How have you balanced being a student and an athlete?
AB: It hasn't been easy. It's a lot of work and determination. Sometimes it requires putting in hours of studying when I would rather be doing something else. I've tried to do better at balancing hockey, school, and my social life, because that's not always easy. Overall it's about being disciplined and doing your best.
GS: What are your career goals?
AB: As of right now, I'm thinking of working on applying to a physician assistant program. I don't know if I will do that right after college, but at some point, I would like to do that and become a PA. I've always been interested in health and medicine and for some reason, medical school never caught my interest, but I learned about the PA career path and liked the idea of having that lifestyle. It just fit with my interests.
GS: What has made you so successful in school?
AB: I'd say personally just my will to do well. Also, the support that I have from my mom, teammates, and coaches. The philosophies they have about doing well in life really encourage me to do my best.
GS: What do you like to do in your free time?
AB: I'm a pretty laid back person, but also adventurous, so there are times where I don't mind sitting down and watching TV or reading a book. Other times, I like to travel, hike, or camp.
GS: What are your summer plans?
AB: I'm going to take an EMT training course. I'd like to volunteer and have a job of some sort.
GS: Who is your role model?
AB: My role model has always been my mom. When I look at what she has done in her lifetime, it makes me really proud. But also, she is my rock through everything. I like how she supports me no matter what I do in areas of life.
GS: What are your goals for the remainder of your college career?
AB: I would say right now it is just to enjoy the ride -- enjoy college and being a Division I athlete and taking the opportunities that come from it.
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