Mount Mary College sophomore takes on the Questions

Each week, CatholicSportsNet.com will be getting to know a new student-athlete from around the country, by asking him/her a series of 20 questions - some in-depth, some lighthearted - that will provide insight into the thoughts and personalities of the men and women who are doing great things on and off the courts, fields, tracks, and courses.

Most collegiate student-athletes have a tough enough time managing class and the schedule of one team sport

Mount Mary College sophomore Emily Barker plays three.

This outstanding tri-athlete is exceling in softball, basketball, and cross country for the Blue Angels, while maintaining a 3.4 GPA in her Occupational Therapy and Biology majors.

From Oconomowoc in Wisconsin, Barker is an inspirational student-athlete at her school and recently took time out to participate in the CatholicSportsNet.com "20 Questions" segment. Her answers are below.

1) How did you choose the college you attend? 

I want to be close to my family so I could help take care of them. My older sister Brittany goes to Mount Mary College and told me a lot about it. It seemed like a great fit for me. 

2) What is your favorite part of college athletics? 

That all the coaches care so much about you on and off the field. Also I feel very responsible for balancing everything. I feel that I’m accomplishing something for me. 

3) How do you balance academics and your sport(s)? 

I have to be extremely disciplined every day. I love sports but of course school comes first. 

4) What is the hardest part about being a student athlete? 

The hardest part it managing my time. I have games, meets, and practices during the school year that take up a lot of my time. If I didn’t manage my time accordingly, it would make my life harder. 

5) What do you do for fun when you aren’t in class or at practice? 

When I’m not studying or in practice I’m at home helping take care of my sisters. I can’t really get away from sports and I always play sports with my little sisters. My sisters love sports and by helping them on certain skills, make them better at athletics. I also love to cook and speed skate with my older sister Sarah. 

6) What is the best characteristic that you bring to your teammates? 

I would say I’m a leader and very determined to do my best. 

7) What does your team do as a pre game ritual? 

We usually play pepper because that gets our nervous out before the game. 

8) What music do you listen to before a game? 

I listen to Justin Bieber and Eminem. 

9) What role does your faith play throughout school, games, and practice? 

I think faith plays a big role throughout school, games, and practice. Without faith I don’t think I would be succeeding as much as I am now. 

10) Favorite pro team to watch? 

The Milwaukee Brewers 

11) What is your coach’s best quality? 

I believe my coach Janae’s best quality is that she believes in everyone of her players. She listens to them and wants every one of us to be successful. That gives us confidence in practice and games. 

12) Why is a team captain(s) so important to the team? 

Team captain(s) are so important on each team. They are setting an example for those on the team and off. Captain(s) are those to get you pumped and ready to win before the game. They are also there for the team’s losses. 

13) How does your team handle defeat? What do you say to your team after a tough loss? 

No team likes defeat. We talk about what we did right and what we could work on. We take that intensity into the next games. I’m a very competitive person so when it comes to loosing, it takes me some time to get over. I tell my teammates that the next game is ours. 

14) What is your favorite pre game snack? 

Chocolate! 

15) Favorite movie quote? 

I would have to say one from Step Brothers. I can’t decide what one. 

16) What advice do you have for young student athletes as they decide where to go to college? 

I would tell them to follow their dreams and don’t let anyone stop you from choosing a college. 

17) Best smart phone app? 

Where is my droid? If I had that app I wouldn’t have lost my phone. 

18) How do you think your involvement in college sports and academics will benefit you when you begin to look for a job? 

It will benefit me because sports have given me determination in what I believe in. Also sports have given me strength to never give up. I have learned to have a load over me throughout college with sports and school. I will take those skills and accomplishment into finding a great job that fits me. 

19) What does it mean to play athletics for a catholic college? 

Being able to play on a team that is in touch with their spirituality brings to me a new meaning of teamwork and dedication because I know I have the support and care of my school and God. 

20) What is your proudest athletic achievement? 

Softball- Bring a good attitude to learn and get better every practice. Also being so new to softball and having the ability to become a great softball player. Cross Country- Beating all the school records.  Inline Speed Skating- Winning Nationals numerous times.