NICOLE BARBER

Nicole Barber made time before Saturday evening’s game for an interview with SPY.  We were interested in the lefty slugger’s views – she jacked her first pro homer Friday night off Serena Settlemier in Glory’s 3-0 win over Thunder – as a first year pro whom we saw play for four years in the SEC -- and had her on some ballots for Collegiate Player of the Year.

Like every Glory player we’ve interviewed, Nicole has the highest praise for Glory owner Paul Wilson.  “He’s awesome,” Nicole said, “in his efforts to do the best for his team and the league.”  We’re treated like professionals on and off the field, Nicole said, noting that lodging is provided – every player has a private bedroom in an apartment – and those without cars are arranged for them – and, while the players earn $3500 to $5000 for the season, all expenses on the road are paid by the team.

Nicole rates Washington DC as the best city and likes the stadium at George Mason.  There will be a new stadium next year, but for now, what counts, is a well-maintained playing field, noting that some fields have problems.  The people in Northern Virginia are “so cool” and “so supportive.”

Barber believes team unity and spirit, as well as player expertise, are factors in the Glory sitting on top of the standings – and has already secured one of the four playoff berths.  We do many things together – sightseeing, fishing, shopping at the various malls – Barber said.

Barber also credits the highly enthusiastic fan support for their rise, noting the hundreds of young players who come to watch, some as far away as the Carolinas.  By comparison, Barber said they’ve seen sparse crowds at some other venues. 

The sharpest contrast between the NPF and Italy – “I wanted to see Europe so I played there for a year” – is the level of competition.  A wide range between the best players in Italy and the worst players on most teams.  The NPF teams are strong through their lineups, and have some of the best pitchers in the game.  And, NPF players are more accomplished.

To grow, Barber says NPF must advertise more.  Wilson said Glory has people walking in to every game, saying they had just heard of the team.

An economics major at Georgia, Barber is not sure at age 25 how long she will play, or what she will do post-softball, but is intrigued by the economics of real estate.   Unlike many of her contemporaries, Barber does not want to coach or teach in school.  However, she said several Glory players are considering moving to the DC area – she still calls Atlanta home – hopes they can put together a program of camps and clinics for local players.

When the immediate season is over – hopefully with an NPF championship – Barber plans to play some golf in Arizona, where her parents now live.

A 2005 graduate of Georgia with roots in the Pacific Northwest – Nicole played travel ball for NW Outlaws and Aphis – the Glory outfielder is not particularly concerned about college players coming back for Gold tournaments.  “Some Gold teams are better than some of the college teams.  It’s a challenge to play against them.”

As we parted so Nicole could join her teammates at pre-game practice, I asked her what pitch she hit for the homerun off Settlemeier.  “We know she throws a first pitch strike so I was looking for a ball in the strike zone.”  That first pitch left the park.

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