The Clark Central boys soccer team will play in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs this week when they host Dalton on Wednesday. One of his leaders among the Gladiators is Wake Forest member Owen Barnett. Barnett served as goalkeeper at Clark Central in 2021 before moving on to Atlanta United's academy program. He returned to the Gladiators this year as a striker, but will play goalie at Wake Forest. He is also playing in his first year with Athens FC in USL League 2 this summer.
question: How did it feel to return to Clark Central for your senior year after being away from the Atlanta United Academy program for the past two seasons?
answer: It's actually quite emotional for me to see people that I'm so familiar with and that I used to play with as a kid. Playing in Atlanta was completely different and coming back here just reminds me of what it was like when I could just have fun and play stress-free.
question: How has the Atlanta United Academy program enhanced your performance and personal growth on and off the field?
answer: Probably just a competitive spirit. You know you're playing with guys, you're playing with kids who not only want to play professionally someday, but also have the opportunity to play with people who are putting food on the table. for their families.
question: How has your experience as a goalkeeper contributed to your development as a striker?
answer: As a goalie, you are the only one on the field who can see the entire field, so you know where everyone is. If you put me on the other side of the field as a striker, I can know where the player should be at the back.
question: What influenced your decision to attend Wake Forest?
answer: It's a very small school, so the players get a lot of attention. …You'll be treated more like a normal student, that's what I wanted. However, Wake Forest has a very good reputation for producing players at the professional level, and I think that's what I want in the future.
question: How has your sister's soccer experience influenced your experience on and off the field? (Clark Central graduate Hannah Burnett competes at Brandeis University in Boston.)
answer: The most impactful thing for me growing up was having an older sister that I not only looked up to but also had on the field. She's as competitive as I am.
question: How did your team's regional wins throughout the season impact its ability to succeed in the playoffs?
answer: I think it is very important to have a desire to win. It's very important to go into the playoffs knowing that we can beat good teams. Because I always want to have a winning mindset.
question: Is there a team you and your team are looking forward to facing in the playoffs?
answer: Macintosh. (McIntosh won the state championship by defeating Clark Central 2-1 in the Burnett freshman quarterfinals.) …The team played really well. But it was the kind of game that stays with you.
question: What's different?
answer: It seemed like everyone was giving up a little bit towards the end, so if we're in that situation again this year, we'll say, “Hey, if you don't think we're going to perform 100%, some guys are on the bench.'' Dew. They may want to play more the way you want them to, and they can definitely influence the team.
question: I heard that they formed a USL (semi-professional) team and are playing here. How do you feel about forming a team?
answer: I don't want to get used to the same thing, so I love being in new environments that push me.
Alison Witt is a student in the Sports Media Certificate Program at the University of Georgia.Carmical Sports Media Research Institute.
