Barnard students bring a diverse array of talents and skills to campus life — in academics, athletics, leadership, and more — and they are driven to excel.
For student-athletes — who compete through the Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium, a distinct partnership with Columbia University that allows Barnard athletes to participate in NCAA Division I athletics via the Ivy League Athletic Conference — that means competing at the highest level while pursuing their academic passions.
“Barnard’s unique blend of academic rigor and athletic commitment offers student-athletes the opportunity to grow as scholars, leaders, and members of a vibrant community,” said Virginia Ryan ’83, Chief of Staff to the Vice President of Health and Wellness. “We’re thrilled to welcome the incoming class, whose passion and dedication will inspire each of us.”
A total of 15 student-athletes will compete through the Consortium, in archery, fencing, rowing, soccer, squash, and track and field. Meet five of them below.
Andreea Ghiorghisor ’28, Squash
It’s only the first year, but Ghiorghisor, who hails from Călăraşi, Romania, is already deciding between a major in economics or biology. Ghiorghisor’s excitement to meet and train with her new teammates on the women’s squash team is balanced, she said, with a love for “reading romance books, watching television series, going out [with friends], and drinking iced coffee.”
Briana Moore ’28, Archery
Inspired by the Disney movie Brave, Moore, who is from Athens, Georgia, has been shooting archery since she was 7 years old. Since then, Moore has competed at numerous national and international archery events. With a plan to major in psychology or sociology at Barnard, Moore is thrilled to be joining a community of bold and driven women at the College. “The opportunity to continue shooting archery through the Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium is one for which I am most grateful,” said Moore.
Medrith Norman ’28, Indoor and Outdoor Track
A long hurdler and sprinter for the women’s track team, Norman hopes to major in biology and minor in science and public policy while on the pre-med track. Norman, who is from Frankfort, Kentucky, also loves to read, write fiction and poetry, and play with her Great Dane, Grace. “I am excited to join a community of intelligent and ambitious women and take advantage of the many opportunities available in New York City,” she said.
Maggie Qi ’28, Women’s Crew
Coxswain Qi joined the women’s rowing team from Ridgewood, New Jersey. Qi — who plans to double-major in economics and social history and minor in science and public policy — holds academic interests in art history and finance. “Being a coxswain has taught me so much about leadership, communication, work ethic, and empathy. I truly love being on the water and the thrill of a competitive atmosphere,” she said. “Crew has introduced me to so many kind and driven people — and I look forward to the many more friendships and connections that I’ll make on Columbia women’s rowing. Go, Lions!”
Claire Wang ’28, Fencing
The épée star hails from Beijing and will major in psychology and neuroscience at Barnard, with the dream of becoming a psychiatrist. “I look forward to involving myself in psychology labs and working with professors in the field of child developmental psychology. I’m super excited to be part of the Columbia fencing community and the next four years here,” she said.
