Athlete Spotlight: Ariana Barrows

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications   

SALEM, Mass. -- Our athlete spotlight focuses on volleyball defensive setter Ariana Barrows from Danvers, Mass. The sophomore talked about what changed from the previous season to this season. "My first season was filled with a lot of learning and challenges. Our team was mainly underclassmen, so everyone was very new. I was not used to playing at a college level and that was something I had to get used to. I learned how to play new positions and how to not crack under pressure. I am still working on getting used to the faster pace of college sports, but I love it."  

Barrows, who is currently studying Sport and Movement Science expressed some of the things that really stuck out so far this season. "I think something that sticks out to me this season compared to last season is our competitiveness. I feel like we put up more of a fight compared to last season and we all are getting used to the fast pace. I can see a tremendous amount of improvement from every single player."

She explained the reason why she wanted to be a Viking. "Both of my parents went here, it was a cheaper option, and most importantly I wanted to play volleyball. After my high school season was over, I didn't just want to stop there. I was given the opportunity to play on the team by coach (Karen) McNulty and I am so grateful." 

A game that stood out to her was when the Vikings defeated Fisher College three sets to one at Twohig Gymnasium on September 28. "I think it was one of those games where we played really well all around and fought until the very end. We have this habit of not starting off strong, but in that game, we played well from beginning to end." 

She expressed the importance of the upcoming conference games and hopefully earning a postseason game at  home.  "Winning conference games are crucial to us and our standing. Last year we unfortunately did not make playoffs. However, at the rate we are going this year, we have a great chance of getting into playoffs, and getting a playoff game at home would be huge. We always play better when we have our family and friends in the stands; they motivate us to do so much better."

Salem State currently has six wins on the season, which ties the win record from the previous season. "I think our mindset changed. Going into last season with mostly a new team, no one really knew what to expect. It was definitely a season of growth for us. After working hard during the spring season and during the summer, I feel like we just became more confident and comfortable with each other on and off the court."

The toughest conference game remaining on the schedule Barrows believes is Framingham State. Both of these teams will meet on November 2 at Twohig Gymnasium in the final regular season game of the season. "We had a tough battle with them last season, but I think winning against them is totally doable. We all just have to show up wanting to play and leave it all on the court. I believe that we have some more conference wins in us." 

She talked about the game this past Saturday when Salem State defeated Bridgewater State in five sets. "I think that game was a huge turning point for us. We started strong and fought all the way until the end. Once we realized that we had a groove going, we didn't stop. In the last set, we were down 14-11 and I think that we all knew we didn't make it all the way to the fifth set for nothing; we had to execute, and we did. The energy was there and us being at home with an encouraging crowd of family and friends truly gave us an advantage." 

She expressed what the word "Viking" means to her. "Being a Viking means being hard working, resilient, confident, and determined. I think all of the student athletes here acquire all of these qualities which help us win."

Her sister has a tremendous impact on her. "She always keeps me on my toes and pushes me to be the best version of myself. She is younger than me, so it's important for me to be her role model. One of my biggest supporters is definitely her, and Iwork my hardest to make her proud."

As far as her preparation during the off-season for the upcoming season. "I like to go to the gym during the off-season, whether it's at O'Keefe or at my home gym in Danvers with my sister. We also hold open gym sometimes with my teammates, which is a good way to get some reps."  

Barrows admires the Nebraska volleyball team as well as her teammates. "My roommates and I are big fans of the Nebraska volleyball team. They are incredibly talented and are an example of hard work paying off. I also admire my teammates on the court with me as they always push me to do better and challenge my game play every day. Without them, I don't think I would be as confident on the court as I am now." 

She mentioned a professional player that she would love to see. "I would love to see Lexi Rodriguez from the Nebraska volleyball team play. She is incredible at the sport and the best libero playing college volleyball this season." 

An interesting fact about her is that her nationality is Cape Verdean, Puerto Rican, Italian, and Greek.  

The Vikings and Barrows will take on Mass-Maritime on Tuesday night for a conference game at Twohig Gymnasium.