By Jeff Odom
Steinbrenner boys soccer player Enrique Barboto said April 16 that he has committed to play at Division II Barry University in Miami Shores.
The central midfielder was a first-team The Laker/Lutz News and Western Conference selection as a senior and was a pivotal part of the Warriors’ run to the Class 4A state title game this season.
“This is huge; it’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life,” Barboto said. “Just to get to the next level of soccer and to grow as a player and learn more about the game as a college athlete.”
Barboto, who scored 15 goals and had nine assists this season, said Barry was the only place he wanted to be after seeing what the school’s program had to offer and because of the close-knit nature of the players.
“I’m hoping to be a part of the great years to come,” Barboto said.
Barboto said he cherishes the many memories he has of his time at Steinbrenner, but is eager to get to the next level, because he will get to play against his brother, Daniel, when Barry plays University of Tampa (UT) as rivals in the Sunshine State Conference.
“The excitement is unexplainable because I will be playing at a great school, and I will be playing against my brother twice a year,” Barboto said. “We will be marking each other as we play UT home and away, and not many people can say that they get to battle against their brother for the championship.”
Barry was 5-10-1 overall last season. The Buccaneers have made nine NCAA tournament appearances in program history.
