In the 2015 women’s soccer season the Eagles saw a very young squad play their way to a successful 14-4-1 season.

The team’s core was comprised of a large group of sophomores who greatly contributed to the success, goalkeeper Courtney Barker’s effort in front of the net was key to the team’s play as Coach Danny Krispinsky looks for Courtney to pick up where she left off with last years success.

“Our success starts at the back with Courtney Barker,” Krispinsky said. “Courtney came on extremely strong last last year.” 

After just her first year starting between the posts for the Eagles, Courtney was named second team All-GLIAC for her efforts as she ranked fourth in saves (105), fifth in save percentage (.820), and third in shutouts (four).

“I was a little surprised for it just being my first year, but I was happy with the honor,” Barker said.  “I think it was a good starting point, and I think in years to come I am aiming towards that same goal if not higher.”

Courtney’s excellence is not limited to the playing field as she also earned GLIAC All-Academic honors for her hard work in the classroom. 

Now as a junior, Courtney, has already shown that she is picking up where she left off in the 2016 season as she and her fellow Eagles have already posted three shutouts of the five games played.

The results of her play in the Eagles first series of matches earned Courtney GLIAC defensive player of the week to start off the season as she faced two quality opponents in Truman University and Quincy University posting ten saves giving her a .909 save average.

The team came short of their fourth straight shutout as they tied 1-1 against a quality University of Charleston (W.V.) team as Courtney again looked strong in front of the net as she came up with.

With five games under the Eagles belts, Courtney’s statistics look impressive as she has only allowed two goals giving her a staggeringly low .45 goal allowed average.

Courtney’s 21 saves gives her a robust .913 save average for the season.

While many praise Courtney for her feats as AU’s goalkeeper, she is quick to point out that her success is a result of a total team effort. 

“Obviously for a goalkeeper and personally it’s an individual goal to keep them out of the back of the net, but it’s a big team goal too,” Barker said. “From the top of the field to the defense everyone is working to keep that shutout.”

While Courtney displays intense focus on the field the exercise science major has big plans off the field as she plans to further her education after her time at AU is done.

“I’m hoping to get into graduate school for either physical therapy or physical therapy assistant, and hopefully keeping up with soccer in any way I can,” Barker said.

GLIAC competition starts up Sept. 23 at home for Courtney and the Eagles as the ladies take on Lake Erie College at Ferguson Field at 7 p.m.