Barry twins pick ‘a’ college
Mariner senior Alyssa Barry believes twin sister Alisabeth brings more quickness and finishing ability to the soccer field. Alisabeth touts Alyssa’s crossing skills, which enables her to set up scoring chances.
Their traits are common at their respective positions – one a forward and the other a midfielder.
Of course, there are similarities. Besides nearly identical looks, they’ve grown up side-by-side and pushed each other in their favorite sport. When it came time to select a college, they weren’t about to break the bond.
Both decided to continue their careers at Webber University, signing scholarships with the school Thursday in the Mariner cafeteria.
“When we’ve played together we’ve done better,” Alyssa said. “If I send a cross she will just be there. We have that connection.”
They’ve spent a lot of time in the backyard, training and taking shots at the goal, but are looking forward to playing together on the field, again, at Webber.
Alisabeth missed her senior year at Mariner after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee. Coincidentally, Alyssa suffered the same injury to the same knee her freshman year.
At Webber, they’ll play for coach and former Mariner standout Jami Hagy, who battled back from several knee injuries in her playing career as well.
Hagy has assembled a strong list of area stars since taking over at Webber. Mariner grad Magen Carey will be a sophomore next season and Ida Baker’s Isa Miranda signed with Webber earlier this spring.
All of those athletes have played together in the past either at Mariner or with the Florida Premier competitive team, coached by Bill Carvalho.
It was during a club tournament last summer when Alisabeth Barry and Miranda both suffered ACL injuries on the same day. They’ve worked hard to get back to full strength for college.
“It’s going to be great that we all get to play on the same team,” Alisabeth said. “We all grew up playing together.”
The Barry girls began playing soccer around age 7 after a brief stint in dance.
“Our dad told us it was not our thing,” Alyssa said.
They switched to soccer and though a little shaky at first, it proved be a good fit in the long run.
In addition to their success at the club level, they helped the Tritons form strong teams. Anne Demming was the Tritons’ coach for three of those years, while Beth Gedde coached the varsity squad last season.
When Alyssa and Alisabeth were both on the field the team reached the regional playoffs one season and finished 19-2-3 the next.
The twins’ parents, Debbie and Bill Barry, both provide guidance and support.
“Our dad goes out and trains with us,” Alyssa said. “Our mom is the encourager.”
“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them,” Alisabeth said.