MONMOUTH WOMEN'S LACROSSE ALUMNA UPDATE: EMILY BARBER (BARBIERI) '15

Emily Barber (formerly Barbieri) was a standout lacrosse player for the Hawks from 2012-2015, winning a pair of Northeast Conference titles while earning two NCAA bids. The former team captain appeared in 67 contests earning 47 starts. She finished her career with 82 points and her five assists against Siena in 2015 still ranks tied for third all-time She was recently named as the first women's head lacrosse coach at Wilson College (Chambersburg, PA) after serving as offensive coordinator and assistant coach at Hood College since 2015. She also is the founder of the Atlantic Coast Lacrosse academy and is the director of the Maryland Lacrosse Academy. Barber graduated from Monmouth in May of 2015 with a BA in History and earned her Master's degree in humanities at Hood College. Barber resides in Frederick, MD with her husband Brad, who is the head men's lacrosse coach at Hood.

Question 1 What made you decide to come to Monmouth to get your education and play lacrosse?

Emily Barber: There were many deciding factors that played a role in my decision to attend Monmouth but one true factor was the location and atmosphere of campus. Just an hour away from my family and less than a mile away from the beach was ideal. I fell in love with campus and the coaching staff. Everyone I met on my visits made me feel welcomed and a part of a family.  

Q2 You come from a pretty established lacrosse family. Can you talk about their accomplishments?
EB: My mother has always been my idol growing up and one of the main reasons I pursued lacrosse. Many will joke that she put the lacrosse stick in my left hand so I could learn to be a lefty! She was a part of the US Women's National Team for nine years. She was captain of the first World Cup Championship Team in 1982, and was named to the All World Team at the 1982 World Cup. After all of her accomplishments, she was inducted into the US National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. I love visiting the headquarters in Maryland to see her picture on the wall. She has been a huge inspiration to me and my biggest supporter throughout my college career. She even had the pleasure of coaching with Monmouth's previous Head Coach, Denise Wescott.

Q3 How was the feeling attending your Mom's induction to the Lacrosse Hall of Fame?
EB: I'll never forget that night, I was so amazed and proud. I was in a room full of lacrosse legends. It was a remarkable moment when they announced her name. My mom's successes filled a passion for lacrosse in me, and from that point I knew I wanted to pursue playing at the Division 1 level.

 Q4 What is one lacrosse moment you won't forget from your time at Monmouth?
EB: Wow, honestly there a ton of memories from MULAX. A moment and feeling I will never forget was winning the NEC Conference Championship game on our home turf. I'll never forget that game competing against Bryant. We went 9-0 in conference that year! The whole entire team was a cohesive unit, we really embodied the meaning of family. I get goose bumps every time I think of it.

Q5 What made you want to get into coaching after playing?
EB: I couldn't see myself stepping away from the game completely after college. I had been a club coach for a program in North Jersey during the summers, and I developed a passion for coaching. It was something that felt natural to me, and I loved the experience of developing players.

Q6 While coaching with Molly Frazier (O'Brien), you guys turned around a dismal program – what was that rebuilding process like?
EB: There aren't enough words to thank Molly for taking me in as an Assistant Coach right after college. We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into, taking over a program. We had the experience and passion for Division 1 level of commitment and play. Developing and rebuilding a program that wasn't taken too seriously took a lot of patience. Molly and I balanced each other out with our different coaching styles. We recruited hard to bring in new players who fit our vision for the program. We really had to teach, break down skills, and build each players confidence up. It took a lot of patience but we helped develop girls to set and break new records for the program.
 
Q7 You've recently been named as the first head women's lacrosse coach at Wilson College, is becoming a head coach something you've always wanted?
EB: Yes! I have always wanted to be a head coach! When I heard of Wilson College and their opportunity to start a new program, I was thrilled! I had the experience of rebuilding, so I felt confident in my abilities to take on something new.
 
Q8 How challenging is it to build a program from the ground up? What is it like to make your mark on something like a college program?
EB: The biggest challenge is portraying something brand new to potential recruits. I needed to really think of the culture I wanted to build and my personal coaching philosophy. Other programs have the opportunity to introduce their players, invite recruits to practices or games, and really have the chance to see what it is like through their player's eyes. My first year I had to really build a relationship with the families and show them who I was as a person and coach. It is very challenging but very rewarding at the same time. I'll never forget the feeling of landing my first recruit. I have loved this experience and I am exciting for the incoming class!

Q9 Have you been back to campus since graduation? What has impressed you about the changes made?
EB: Yes! I have been back to campus numerous times, for homecoming or to work the summer lacrosse camps. The changes on campus are unreal, the new stadium is breathtaking. Every time I go back I have a rush of nostalgia. Monmouth has come a long way and I am very excited for the future of the program!  

Q10 Congratulations on your recent wedding, how difficult was that to plan and execute during a pandemic?
EB: Thank you!! It is an experience I will never forget. My husband was my biggest supporter through everything. We were originally supposed to get married in May but we postponed to August. The whole experience allowed us to focus on the real reason you are getting married, to spend the rest of your life with someone you love. Yes, the huge guest list and extravagant ideas for the reception are awesome, but having an intimate guest list of family and close friends made the whole day feel even more special. My maid of honor was my teammate from Monmouth, I can't thank Monmouth enough for giving me the amazing people in my life.

Q11 If you could go back and tell freshman year Emily something on the weekend of move in, what would it be?
EB: To cherish every single moment and take nothing for granted. Through all the hardships of run tests, strenuous lifts, and 6am practices, it is all extremely worth it! I can't stress enough how fast the four years of college goes by. I have met some amazing people from Monmouth who are still in my life today. Even though I don't keep in touch with every single teammate, whenever I see them or talk to them we pick up right where we left off. Monmouth is a special place and it is an honor to be an alumnus.