FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Brady Barber, North Putnam

Brady is a senior at North Putnam and participates in two sports, soccer and basketball.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Brady Barber: “They’ve been important to me for a long time. I’ve played since I was real little. I’ve learned how to be friends with people, leadership skills, as well as life skills in general.”

BG: Talk about your sports.

BB: “I have a lot of fun playing with my friends and learn a lot. Sports keep me in shape as well.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

BB: “Probably air balling a free throw.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

BB: “I usually try to get something to eat early because I don’t want to have a full stomach when I play. I listen to some music, get locked in, use my massage gun for a little bit, go warm up and get a good stretch in.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes you follow?

BB: “I watch the Detroit Lions. I’m a big NFL guy. I’m also a big Michigan State fan in football and basketball, especially basketball. I’m a big Tom Izzo fan.”

BG: The past couple of years, the soccer team has gotten to double-digit wins and had high goals for this season. You’ve beaten Greencastle to take control of the WIC race and have not lost to this point. What’s in been like to be a part of this growth as a program and the payoff this season?

BB: “We’ve had to put a lot of work in and stay focused, not having a lapse in concentration as one lost game means the conference can also be lost. We’re on the high side of things right now. We’ve had a few tough games but we see a conference championship in our future and hopefully a sectional championship as well.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

BB: “I’ve done academic teams in the past. I’m in Cougar Power, our elementary mentoring program.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

BB: “I play a lot of golf, trying to play with my friends at least once a week. I like to hang out with friends, go out to dinner and hang out when I can.”

BG: What are your favorites in reading, movies, TV and music?

BB: “I’m a TV and movie guy, a lot of comedy and reality TV. I listen to music before games but I’m not a fan of reading.”

BG: Are you a person that wants to watch TV shows and movies or stream something from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok etc.?

BB: “I’d probably get on my phone and check what’s going on on Instagram and check ESPN for updates, then turn that on the TV.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

BB: “I want to go skydiving.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

BB: “Snakes. I hate snakes.”

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

BB: “I’m probably making tacos or burgers. I’m a pretty decent cook.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

BB: “I have two dogs, goldendoodles, Bo and Izzo.”

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

BB: “I’d get my shoe collection.”

BG: A family member has hit the lottery. After everything is paid off and money is set away for the future, you’ve been asked to buy something you have always wanted to get. What are you asking for?

BB: “My dream car, a brand new white F-250 that’s blacked out.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

BB: “I’d like to consider myself pretty outgoing. I talk a lot to people.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

BB: “The Caribbean. We go on a lot of cruises and I like it when we go down there. A lot of clear blue water and nice beaches.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip?

BB: “My Camp Tecumseh field trip in sixth grade.”

BG: How important is support from your family and classmates to your success?

BB: “It’s really important. My parents are always supporting us to go to practice, get better and are always pushing us to be better students and athletes.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically.

BB: “I’ve had a lot of fun and had a lot of success the past few years, which has made things better. Our teams are still getting better. Academically, I feel I’m pretty successful.”

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

BB: “A sports literature class, to get out of a regular English class.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

BB: “I plan to college, either Indiana or Purdue, and I plan to study premed and become and orthopedic surgeon.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

BB: “Sometimes, if you have a night big on assignments. I try to get it done at school. I have a free period, so I try to do all my work in that time to stay on top of it.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

BB: “Mrs. Lippencott. She’s a math teacher. She teaches math crazy good. She also gets to know everyone on a personal level, so she’s good at math but knows you on a personal level and you can have good conversations with her.”

BG: In the future, once you’ve established yourself, if you had your choice, would you want to live in the mountains, on the beach or in the neighborhood?

BB: “Definitely rural. I like having my own space. I don’t want to see a neighbor’s house right next to mine but open space or the woods.”

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

BB: “It’s gone pretty fast. I thought it would go slower but with sports, I stay pretty busy and it kills time pretty quick. I’ll miss the friends aspect and playing sports but I also feel like I’m ready to move on.”