UA Athlete of the Week

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore Lindsay Barriman takes a practice dive yesterday afternoon at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. Barriman, a transfer student from Auburn University, has begun the new season with a lot of hard work and training in preparation for her first UA meet.

"Lindsay devotes time and hard work in both academics and athletics," UA diving coach Michele Mitchell said. "She puts academics first, athletics second and her social life third - the way it should be."

Barriman, a sophomore originally from Phoenix, where she graduated from Horizon High School in 1997, is beginning her first year at the University of Arizona after a year at Auburn University in Alabama.

"I came here to be closer to home," Barriman said. "I knew I liked the coach here, and I think the swim and dive teams at the UA will help me personally improve."

She began her college career without declaring a major, but is now beginning to focus on exercise science.

"I want to do something with health or nutrition. I definitely study a lot. I don't like the feeling of not understanding something in class, and I've always been kind of a perfectionist, so I push myself in my studies," she said.

Barriman completed her freshman year with a 4.0 GPA.

"I'd like to keep my GPA at 3.7 or higher until I graduate," Barriman said.

In addition to her success in the classroom, Barriman also excels on the diving platform, where she placed 10th in the nation last summer at the Senior Nationals in Atlanta.

"She has earned a very respectable title," Mitchell said.

How does Barriman manage success both in and out of the pool?

"She's a very competitive person, but she keeps everything in perspective as far as what she can and can't do," Mitchell said. "That's the key to her success."

Barriman also explained that she does have to focus on her balance and priorities, but being at "home" is helping her a lot with that focus because of the familiar environment.

"Of course I do have my moments where I just break down, and now Mom is just a quick phone call away." Barriman said. "She helps remind me that I can only do as much as I can physically handle."

Barriman is taking 13 credit hours this semester, and right after classes each day, she heads straight to the pool for diving practice.

Mitchell commented that Barriman has the balance down, even when it comes to Saturday nights, saying she still takes her time to study before having fun.

"Lindsay has always had the right formula for success," Mitchell said. "Now all her hard work is starting to pay off. She's definitely one to look for at the national level."

Barriman will begin her season with the diving team at the beginning of next month.

Kate Longworth can be reached via e-mail at Kate.Longworth@wildcat.arizona.edu.