Barnes exercises her near perfect high jump form to get over the bar
TXMS: How did it feel to be going back to state for the third time in as many years?
SB: I was excited that I have repeatedly been blessed with the opportunity to jump against the best in Texas at the state meet.
TXMS: When an athlete has the amount of success you have had so early in your career, where do you find the motivation to keep you going for more?
SB: Success doesn't mean my work is done, if I believe that then I am denying improvement, when I can become greater everyday. I am my own biggest competitor, and I strive to out jump myself daily. I jump for my uncle who I lost in the 6th grade, for my younger brother who I lost in the 8th grade, and also for my mother who fought and survived through breast cancer.
TXMS: What attracted you to the sport of track and field and specifically the High Jump?
SB: I became attracted to high jump when I first jumped at the age of 9. It allowed me to feel free, like I was flying, the air was mine. No one could take away my solitude in that moment.
TXMS: You have earned both a silver and a bronze medal at the state meet, what have been some of the things you've worked on to try to get you the first place gold medal?
SB: In the beginning of this season, I was struggling to improve. So I put forth extra time with a private coach.
TXMS: This season, you've won all but one meet you've competed in, what does that do for you mentally as an athlete knowing you have a good possibility to come away with victory in almost every meet?
SB: It's exciting, but I know that I have to keep working because I understand that any jumper that I beat, will come to the next meet a better athlete and a more challenging competitor.
TXMS: When you get to a meet, what are some of the things you do to prepare for your competition?
SB: After I set my mark, I sit and get focused as I watch my competition go through warmup jumps, then I pray.
Barnes' (#20) state championship high jump ability is no match for the competition
TXMS: When did you develop your love for Volleyball?
SB: Well, I just love competing and didn't dream of this path. In 7th grade I tried out for volleyball and made the "A"; but I never played before. My parents and I were like, do they know what they are doing. The funny thing is when I was selected I tricked my Dad and told him I didn't make the team. I was always a three sport athlete until I got to high school and my parents made me choose two. To sum it up once I made my seventh grade team my love for the sport started growing and as I got better my love increased even more. I do miss basketball; but I made the right decisions.
TXMS: We see two sport stars all of the time for boys, rarely do we see elite status for girls in volleyball and track and field, what has it been like juggling the two sports at an elite level....as well as academics?
SB: It can be difficult at times; but I have a great support system between my parents, family, Madfrog Volleyball Club, and my Byron Nelson coaches, trainers, teachers, and administration. They all have been there for me. I do want to say my Byron Nelson trainers have been great keeping me healthy and teaching me about my body and what I should do to stay healthy.
I have heard stories of the various groups not getting along; but everyone has working together to help me reach my goals.
TXMS: Where do you find time to devote to training for both and does one help the other?
SB: I believe they go together; because you need to be able to jump in volleyball and in my events in track and field.
During volleyball season I focus on my volleyball skills and during track I focus on those skills; but the most important thing is my rest and strength training. There are times my Dad will tell me I have rest and fun and I have to have a balanced life.
TXMS: What brings you the best feeling in volleyball and track and field?
SB: In volleyball it's fun when the 6ft plus girls look and laugh at me across the net before we start playing; but when I get set or go for a block they look at each other like what just happened. That's because I am 5'9" and can touch 10'7" and I enjoy flying through the air. It's the same with high jump and long jump, I feel free when I am jumping through the air.
Barnes (#20) skies high far above the competition for the kill
TXMS: Tell us about the day of the 2017 Region 1-6A competition. You had to compete and qualify that morning or there was not going to be a State meet for you . At the same time, your Madfrogs team had a tournament in Nevada. How did you make it qualifying in Dallas and then flying to Nevada getting directly off the plane to fly onto the volleyball court?
SB: It was a hard situation not being able to be there with my volleyball team so I knew I had to make them proud and go get the gold. So morning of that competition I prayed to have strength to go through all of the day and the Lord blessed me to PR. I also understood that getting off the plane my team would need me so I had to focus in and get off the plane and jump on the court with my team.
TXMS: You have a busy month this month.....State, TTFCA Meet of Champions this week, and then the Long Beach Volleyball Classic as well as Nationals with your team. How would you draw up the perfect script for these upcoming events?
SB: Get Gold at state and TTFCA Meet of Champions, Long Beach Volleyball, and Nationals. I play with an incredible group of girls and I believe we can do some great things together. They have been very supportive of me doing sports.
TXMS: Finally, to be able to accomplish all of this, you MUST have a major support system. Who makes up that support system and put in words your thoughts and feelings towards what they do and what it means to your success.
SB: First I want to thank GOD for my gifts. My parents for always being there for me and telling me I can accomplish anything and making sure I am able to participate and train in the sports I like. My family and friends for telling me the truth; because sometimes people tell you what you want to hear and not what you need. They help me stay focus. All my coaches and trainers; because I can't do this with out their support and knowledge. My Byron Nelson High School Athletic and MADFROG Volleyball Club team working together; because a lot of times people discourage multi athletes; but they are both very supportive. What I do is a team effort.
My mom and dad are very supportive with my athletics and allowing me to travel and compete in all of these events. My Coaches, trainers, teammates have also been very helpful in keeping me mentally focused in my goals. As well as some of my closest friends who have been rooting for me.
I have just been really blessed amazing people in my life.
Barnes (far right) competes in the 100m
FUN QUESTIONS
TXMS: What is one fact about your personality that not many people know?
SB: I am very energetic, spontaneous, and loving. I enjoy living life to the fullest and trying new things.
TXMS: What are your meet day superstitions or rituals?
SB: I listen to Mary Mary, I go to sleep extremely early, and I pray to GOD that he is there with me as I jump.
TXMS: If you could move anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be and why?
SB: I would move to Jamaica because tropical places are relaxing, and my APUSH teacher talked very highly of the Island. She told me about her stay at the FDR Resort in Jamaica and said it was one of the "best places she has ever been."
