The Rise of Freddy Barnshaw: Waucondaโs Soccer Sensation
The journey of Freddy Barnshaw, a senior forward for the Wauconda boys soccer team, is a testament to the power of passion and determination. His turning point came during his freshman year, a pivotal moment that would shape his athletic career and redefine his focus. After an impressive start to the soccer season, scoring five goals in just four games, Freddy made the surprising decision to quit basketballโa sport he had played for years, much to the astonishment of his father, Doug Barnshaw.
Doug, a seasoned assistant coach in Round Lakeโs girls basketball program for three decades, had always seen potential in Freddy as a basketball player. โHe was always a good basketball player,โ Doug reflected. โHe was a good shooter, could handle the ball a little bit, wouldnโt mind mixing it up a bit, but was maybe slow-footed on defense.โ Despite his fatherโs background in basketball, Freddy felt a stronger connection to soccer, a decision he describes as โnot really hard for me, but it was definitely harder for my dad.โ This shift allowed him to fully immerse himself in soccer, a sport where he felt he could truly excel.
A Star in the Making
Fast forward to the present, and Freddy Barnshaw has emerged as one of the top players in Lake County. Under the guidance of Wauconda boys soccer coach Tim Miller, Freddy has become a key player for the Bulldogs, leading the team with 15 goals and 10 assists this season. The Bulldogs currently hold a strong record of 9-2, sitting at the top of the Northern Lake County Conference. Coach Miller praises Freddyโs skills, noting, โFreddy is silky smooth on the ball. His foot skills are really top-notch. He can run at full speed with the ball, even with a defender close to him. He can finish with both feet. Heโs strong and fit and can do it all. Heโs a competitor.โ
Freddyโs impressive statisticsโ34 goals and 24 assists in just 50 career gamesโspeak volumes about his impact on the field. In a recent conference match against Grayslake North, he scored the game-winner and provided an assist, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Reflecting on his senior season, Freddy expressed a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the desire to elevate the Bulldogsโ performance after their disappointing loss in the Class 2A regional championship game last year. โI have a different energy, being a senior, like to play every game like itโs your last,โ he said, emphasizing his commitment to the teamโs success.
The Motivation Behind the Game
Freddyโs motivation extends beyond personal accolades; itโs about the collective growth of his team. โThat loss really motivated the guys still on the squad,โ he noted, highlighting the shared determination among his teammates to improve and succeed. His former teammate, Karsten Ternes, now a freshman midfielder at Purdue Fort Wayne, has witnessed Freddyโs evolution firsthand. โI could tell he was going to have a good year because of his work ethic,โ Ternes remarked. โAfter that loss last year, he would be determined to have a great senior year. In the offseason, we trained together, and I knew he was going to tear things up.โ
Ternes also pointed out how Freddy has expanded his game, becoming a more intelligent player with a deep understanding of soccer dynamics. โHis confidence and experience in big situations and games make him stand out from any player on the field. Heโs a leader, and his physicality and technical skills are some of the best around,โ Ternes said, underscoring the qualities that set Freddy apart.
Family Influence and Future Aspirations
Freddyโs journey in soccer has also been shaped by his family, particularly his older brother Bobby, who played alongside him during his freshman season. โI took a lot away from him,โ Freddy said, acknowledging Bobbyโs influence on his work ethic and defensive skills. โHe always worked really hard, especially defensively. He always had a motor.โ This familial bond has not only fostered Freddyโs growth as a player but has also instilled in him the importance of hard work and perseverance.
As the postseason approaches, Freddy is focused on the challenges ahead. โWe have a lot of huge games coming up,โ he stated, eager to see how the team can finish the season strong. โAs a young and growing team, I feel like weโre getting better every week.โ With his sights set on success and a commitment to his teammates, Freddy Barnshaw continues to be the driving force behind Wauconda soccer, embodying the spirit of determination and excellence on the field.