University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gopher Spotlight: Sara Nielsen and Lauren Barnes
10/18/2018 9:32:00 AM | Volleyball
Although they attended the same high school and played volleyball together at Benet Academy, the two never developed as strong a connection off the court as they did on the court.
"We would hang out outside of volleyball on occasion, but most of it was volleyball related," said Barnes.
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— Minnesota Volleyball (@GopherVBall) October 17, 2018
The framework for their friendship was laid going into their freshman year of high school and was built upon little by little as the two got to know each other through volleyball.
"We really got to know each other once we were freshmen at Benet," said Nielsen. "We had met before at camps in seventh and eighth grade. We got close starting our junior year, since that was the first year we were on the same team."
That connection continued to form after the two committed to Minnesota and were getting ready to come to campus. Nielsen committed first, on her birthday, and a year later Barnes followed with her commitment. The two would talk about the upcoming school year and college volleyball.
The duo cemented their steadfast relationship when they arrived in Dinkytown last year. Nielsen and Barnes were freshman roommates, which they credit with fast tracking their friendship. Now as sophomores, the two continue that great connection, despite living in separate apartments.
"We live in the same building so we are together a lot outside of volleyball," Nielsen said. Barnes added, "We are always together. When we aren't busy, we're each asking if the other one wants to hang out."
Why did @saranielsen_21 choose Minnesota? Find out here in this recent Get to Know your #Gophers! pic.twitter.com/7ozAhYLM8T
— Minnesota Volleyball (@GopherVBall) October 16, 2018
The friendship between Nielsen and Barnes has even spread to their families. Their mothers have grown close and now talk occasionally on the phone. If one family can't make it to the match and the other can, the families make sure spread that bond throughout the stay.
"If my parents can't come to a game, maybe Lauren's can, so I will see them and still have that great connection to home," said Nielsen.
Whether one is having a tough day, has some exciting news, or is homesick, Lauren Barnes and Sara Nielsen are the first to know about it. The two friends can tell each other anything and everything.
"I am very thankful for her. If I have a bad day or a rough time with something, she can understand it from all angles: life, volleyball and school," Barnes said.
Feature written by Jordyn Anderson
Student Athletic Communications Assistant