Indiana University Athletics
Farewell to a Senior: Robin Barker
4/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
April 12, 2006
Graduating Senior, Robin Barker (Defender)
Playing soccer for Indiana University has been an unforgettable experience. The past four years have flown by, but the things I learned during this time are invaluable. I have not only enjoyed this experience because of soccer, but also because of all the people I have been fortunate enough to build relationships with during my college experience. I would have to say, my greatest memory I will take away from this whole experience are the friends I have made along the way. I love the team atmosphere, and I have been fortunate to have such great girls in my life. I can only thank my teammates enough for making my experience so rewarding.
I also want to thank the most important people in my life. I would not have had the opportunity to play IU soccer if it weren't for my parents. My dad (Terry) and mother (Jay) have been so supportive during my whole soccer career. Many people do not know this, but I stopped playing soccer for a year when I was younger. I know this broke my parent's hearts, but they supported me through it all. I would have to say that my break from soccer was what helped me become a committed player for IU. Thank you Mom, Dad, Mim, Linds, Ryan, and Scott for watching me play IU Soccer. I loved playing on the field knowing I had the people I loved cheering for me! I also want to thank my grandparents for making the trip to IU to watch me play. Everyone's parents usually come to games, but I was fortunate enough to have my grandparents yelling for me too. Thanks to the coaches, trainers, and support staff for all the time you put into the team.
It is really quite a different experience without soccer in my life. I have so much more free time to get school work done and relax. Even with all this extra time, I would definitely love to still be playing soccer. I have a lot of change coming my way in the near future. My sister, Lindsey, is getting married this summer. Both she and Mindy will be moving to Chicago to start full time careers. My other brother, Scott, will be moving to Atlanta, Ga., for his job. I still have one more year of nursing school, so I will be making the best of my 5th year. It is nice to know that soccer is not completely out of my life. I am looking forward to next fall when I will be helping out the team as an undergraduate assistant coach. The rest of my free time will be spent on school and working at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
I have a lot to be thankful for, and I really appreciate all the experiences I have had at IU as a student-athlete. All these influences in my life have made me the person I am today. If you really want to know all about my life as a soccer player, just ask. I love telling the stories that have changed my life forever!
