Vija Barber
Oak Brook
What is your earliest memory of a swim meet?
I started swimming when I was 5 years old. My earliest memories were of meets at Oak Brook Bath and Tennis with my friends from Oak Brook.
What do you love most about the sport?
My favorite part about the sport has to be the people and getting to do something that I love next to some of my best friends and having each other to race and having my teammates to push and motivate me every day.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or routines?
I have a certain play list that I like to listen to, especially at big meets before I go behind the blocks. I like listening to the song "Narco" by Timmy Trumpet.
How is it to have your dad as your coach?
I really like having my dad as a coach just because I had an easy time transitioning into the team. He treats me like every other girl on the team. I don't feel like he's my dad at practice, he's my coach - and he's a really good coach.
How has it been having your sisters on the team?
I had two years with my older sister, Tessa, and two years with my younger sister, Lilia. I really like swimming with them. They push me, because I always want to be the one to beat them. I love spending time with my sisters in that way.
What are your hopes for your senior season?
I hope that I can qualify and maybe final at state again, since I did last year, and that we can finish the season strong in our relays at state. I also just hope that we have a fun last month, because it's my last month swimming on the team.
Why does coach Bob Barber like having Vija on the team?
I am so lucky to have the opportunity to coach Vija for all four years here at Central. As our team captain this year, she has led us through the challenges and heartaches of not having a home pool. She can do it all! Sprint, distance, stroke it doesn't matter, if we need her she is ready. I am excited and sad for the upcoming championship meets but I know she's ready for the next stage.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
