It hasn’t taken long for Andrew Barna to make an impact with his college team.

The South Forsyth graduate was named Southern Conference player of the week recently, for helping his Davidson (N.C.) Wildcats team achieve a 5-0 record between Feb. 22-28.

The freshman third baseman was 11-for-19 at the plate (.579) in those five games and achieved a 1.053 slugging percentage. He was also error-free in the field, starting each game and recording four putouts and nine assists, according to a release from the Davidson athletic department.

“It’s been a real blessing so far this season that I’ve been able to make a contribution to the team. Just stepping in as a freshman and being able to receive that award was something pretty special,” Barna said.

Barna is the first Davidson player to win the SoCon’s weekly honor since 2007.

Barna said he had a tough time transitioning to college pitching during the fall and didn’t know if he’d win a starting slot until things finally started clicking for him about two weeks before the start of the season.

The young Wildcats also have freshman starters at right field, shortstop and — due to a recent injury — second base, Barna said.

Barna’s success on the field hasn’t come at the expense of his studies. He carried a 4.3 GPA while at South, and has a solid 3.0 average after a semester at a school known for its selective admissions and rigorous academic requirements.

“It’s very tough to balance academics and athletics. I do a little bit of socializing, but not too much ... As soon as I’m done with practice, I’m hitting the books. It’s tough, but you just have to get all your stuff done,” he said.

Barna hasn’t settled on a major yet, but is considering history and political science.

If that wasn’t enough, he’s also involved with a campus outreach ministry and traveled to Washington, D.C., over winter break for a Christian conference.

Barna says his religious faith and the support of his parents — who attend most of his games — have encouraged him as he settles into college life. His dad, Jeff, played college ball at William & Mary.

Barna said he tries to keep tabs on his former South Forsyth teammates, several of whom are also playing in college.
Davidson was swept by Auburn in a doubleheader March 3, but the games gave Barna a chance to catch up with South grad Jordan Neese, now with the Tigers.

“After the games, we caught up and talked about how the season’s been going and how school’s been going,” Barna said.

Barna says his focus now is just to keep it up. Winning awards as a freshman might be great, but nobody wants to peak before they even get started.

“It is a blessing, but ... you always have to stay humble and go about your business and try to repeat what you’ve done in the past,” he said.