Jacopo Belardo and Blake Barrick Earn All-Midwest Region Honors in NCAA Men’s Soccer
Jacopo Belardo and Blake Barrick were named to the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association Men’s Soccer All-Midwest Region teams. Belardo received a first-team selection, while Barrick earned a spot on the second team.
Belardo is a graduate student midfielder from Rome, Italy. He scored 16 points with six goals and four assists during the season. He was honored as an All-GLVC first team player after previously being selected for the third team in 2023.
Barrick is a redshirt freshman forward from Overland Park, Kansas. He also scored 16 points, matching Belardo with six goals and four assists. He was named the GLVC Freshman of the Year and joined Belardo on the All-GLVC first team.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) led the Midwest region with 14 selections, followed by the Great Midwest Athletic Conference with eight and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with four.
– What impact do All-Region selections have on a player’s chances of going pro in soccer?
Interview with Soccer Specialist on NCAA Division II All-Midwest Region Selections
Interviewer: Welcome to our discussion today. We’re focusing on the recent NCAA Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association Men’s Soccer All-Midwest Region teams, specifically highlighting the remarkable achievements of Jacopo Belardo and Blake Barrick. To delve deeper into their accomplishments and what this means for the future of their teams, we have soccer specialist Dr. Michael Sloan with us. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sloan.
Dr. Michael Sloan: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these outstanding athletes and their contributions to the sport.
Interviewer: Let’s start with Jacopo Belardo. He was named to the first team after a successful season. What stands out about his performance this year?
Dr. Michael Sloan: Jacopo Belardo’s season has been impressive for several reasons. First, he not only scored six goals but also provided four assists, demonstrating his dual capability as a playmaker and goal scorer. His leadership in the midfield has likely been crucial for his team, especially since he’s a graduate student with more experience on the field. Being named All-GLVC first team solidifies his impact and shows his growth as he moved up from a third-team selection last year.
Interviewer: Indeed, his progression is notable. Now, what about Blake Barrick? He’s a redshirt freshman and made a distinct mark by also scoring 16 points this season. How do you assess his performance?
Dr. Michael Sloan: Blake Barrick’s achievements as a freshman are remarkable, especially for someone still learning the collegiate game. Matching Belardo’s 16 points is no small feat, and being named GLVC Freshman of the Year speaks volumes about his potential. His ability to perform at such a high level early in his career suggests he could be a cornerstone for his team in the coming years.
Interviewer: The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) had a strong showing, leading the region with 14 selections. What does this say about the conference’s competitiveness?
Dr. Michael Sloan: The GLVC’s prominence in the All-Midwest Region selections illustrates the strong level of talent and coaching within the conference. With 14 selections, it clearly showcases that they are developing not only quality players but also competitive teams capable of excelling at a national level. This depth of talent will continue to elevate the conference’s reputation, both in terms of player development and team competitiveness.
Interviewer: The All-Region selections were made by sports information directors from NCAA Division II schools and conferences in the Midwest Region. How significant is this recognition for the athletes?
Dr. Michael Sloan: Being named to an All-Region team is a prestigious honor for these athletes. It not only recognizes their hard work and talent but also places them in the conversation for All-American honors. These accolades can help elevate their future opportunities, whether that’s in furthering their soccer careers or pursuing professional opportunities after graduation.
Interviewer: what implications do you see for the future of Belardo and Barrick, both personally and for their teams?
Dr. Michael Sloan: For Belardo, this recognition may lead to opportunities beyond collegiate soccer, possibly in professional leagues or coaching roles. For Barrick, having such a key role early on sets the stage for him to develop into a future leader on and off the field. For their teams, retaining top talent like Belardo and Barrick is essential for sustained success and competitiveness in the GLVC and beyond.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sloan, for sharing your insights on these promising athletes and the significance of their achievements.
Dr. Michael Sloan: It was my pleasure! I’m excited to see how their careers unfold and what they’ll continue to bring to the game.
Sports information directors from NCAA Division II schools and conferences in the Midwest Region selected the All-Region teams. A total of 26 student-athletes from 14 different institutions filled the two teams. The first-team selections will be considered for the All-American ballot.
The Division II Conference Commissioners Association promotes Division II athletics and high sportsmanship standards. It serves as a communications bridge among conferences and works with the NCAA to support Division II member colleges and universities.