Northwestern University Athletics
Getting to Know: Juliana Barrett
10/20/2015 2:23:00 PM | Women's Fencing
As the Wildcats move further into the 2015-16 fencing season, NUsports.com caught up with Juliana Barrett to learn a little bit about the senior epée. Barrett shares how she got into fencing, some of her hobbies and her expectations for her final season at Northwestern in this edition of "Getting to Know."
NUsports.com: Why did you choose Northwestern?
Juliana Barrett: Not only does NU have great academics and athletics but it also has a beautiful campus with Chicago nearby if I need an urban escape.
NU: What was the transition from New York City to Chicago like?
JB: The transition was difficult at first and I'm not just talking about the wind. I missed my mom, my coach, the city, everything I knew. But I grew close with my team and they offered such an amazing support system that made me feel at home.
NU: What are your expectations for yourself in your final season?
JB: I really want to go out with a bang, especially for our head coach Laurie (Schiller), as it's also his final season. I want to help our team win Midwest Fencing Championships! I would also love to help NU kick butt at NCAAs and grab another All-American title. Finally, I want to make my NU family proud by qualifying to represent South Africa at the Olympics!
NU: What is your favorite thing about Northwestern?
JB: My favorite thing about Northwestern is the student body. I am so grateful for being able to meet so many impressive people and find great friends.
NU: Describe your pre-match ritual.
JB: My pre-match ritual is to have an extra long stretch session while blasting music. Eminem's "Not Afraid" usually makes an appearance on my playlist.
NU: How did you get into fencing?
JB: In third grade, I fractured my leg and ended up in a cast for 3.5 months. After, I still couldn't walk, so my mom gave me a list of sports that I could try to help develop my leg muscle. The only sport I didn't recognize was "fencing." She explained it was sword fighting like they did in Robinhood, which we had seen the day before. I knew I had to try it and have been fencing ever since!
NU: What are some of your hobbies?
JB: I like to watch movies, debate about philosophy, travel and explore artsy coffee shops.
NU: What is one thing that people should know about you?
JB: I am half South African and hold dual citizenship.
NU: If you could meet anyone past or present, who would it be and why?
JB: I would want to meet the diplomat Josef Korbel. He was also Madeleine Albright's father and Condoleezza Rice's mentor. Since I'm passionate about international politics and both his mentees became secretary of state, I think he would have many interesting insights into diplomacy and politics.
NU: What is something that people should know about fencing?
JB: We go way back! Fencing is only one of four sports (gymnastics, athletics, swimming) to be included in every single modern Olympic games!
NU: What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring college fencers?
JB: Work hard and look forward to being part of a team. Fencing may be an individual sport, but you will find you become even stronger when you're a part of something greater.
NUsports.com: Why did you choose Northwestern?
Juliana Barrett: Not only does NU have great academics and athletics but it also has a beautiful campus with Chicago nearby if I need an urban escape.
NU: What was the transition from New York City to Chicago like?
JB: The transition was difficult at first and I'm not just talking about the wind. I missed my mom, my coach, the city, everything I knew. But I grew close with my team and they offered such an amazing support system that made me feel at home.
NU: What are your expectations for yourself in your final season?
JB: I really want to go out with a bang, especially for our head coach Laurie (Schiller), as it's also his final season. I want to help our team win Midwest Fencing Championships! I would also love to help NU kick butt at NCAAs and grab another All-American title. Finally, I want to make my NU family proud by qualifying to represent South Africa at the Olympics!
NU: What is your favorite thing about Northwestern?
JB: My favorite thing about Northwestern is the student body. I am so grateful for being able to meet so many impressive people and find great friends.
NU: Describe your pre-match ritual.
JB: My pre-match ritual is to have an extra long stretch session while blasting music. Eminem's "Not Afraid" usually makes an appearance on my playlist.
NU: How did you get into fencing?
JB: In third grade, I fractured my leg and ended up in a cast for 3.5 months. After, I still couldn't walk, so my mom gave me a list of sports that I could try to help develop my leg muscle. The only sport I didn't recognize was "fencing." She explained it was sword fighting like they did in Robinhood, which we had seen the day before. I knew I had to try it and have been fencing ever since!
NU: What are some of your hobbies?
JB: I like to watch movies, debate about philosophy, travel and explore artsy coffee shops.
NU: What is one thing that people should know about you?
JB: I am half South African and hold dual citizenship.
NU: If you could meet anyone past or present, who would it be and why?
JB: I would want to meet the diplomat Josef Korbel. He was also Madeleine Albright's father and Condoleezza Rice's mentor. Since I'm passionate about international politics and both his mentees became secretary of state, I think he would have many interesting insights into diplomacy and politics.
NU: What is something that people should know about fencing?
JB: We go way back! Fencing is only one of four sports (gymnastics, athletics, swimming) to be included in every single modern Olympic games!
NU: What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring college fencers?
JB: Work hard and look forward to being part of a team. Fencing may be an individual sport, but you will find you become even stronger when you're a part of something greater.
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/ Women's Fencing
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