• 2008 Olympic gold medalist.  Played in four matches for the USA before undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in early May. Came back to play in three more games before the Olympics, earning a shutout in the Peace Queen Cup against Italy.  Earned a shutout over Norway in the USA’s third match of the 2008 Algarve Cup, helping the Americans to the championship game. Played in her most important international match to date against Canada in the championship game of the 2008 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, made several excellent saves and sealed the win with a penalty kick stop in the shootout victory over Canada. 2007: Named to the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup team as the third goalkeeper. A member of the 2007 and 2006 residency programs.  Earned her first cap in goal and her first shutout on March 9, 2005 in a 1-0 victory over France (and made two saves in that match). Earned her first cap on Oct. 16, 2004 against Mexico as a forward since the U.S. had already utilized all of its field players off the bench. Played the last four minutes of the contest coming on for Angela Hucles, who rolled her ankle. Youth: A member of the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 U-21 Nordic Cup Teams, she helped the USA to titles in Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden respectively. Also a member of the USA’s U-18 and U-16 National Team pools.
  

• A member of the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 U-21 Nordic Cup Teams, she helped the USA to titles in Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden respectively. Also a member of the USA’s U-18 and U-16 National Team pools.
  

• Full name is Nicole Renee Barnhart. Nickname is "Barnie". Finished high school academic career with a 4.2 GPA. Interested in working as a graphic artist in advertising or marketing. Earned a double major in studio art and psychology from Stanford. Graduated in June of 2005. Also interested in art therapy and working with children in this field. Played three months of lacrosse for Stanford after the completion of her senior year of soccer eligibility, but stopped playing and became the team manager after turning professional with the U.S. team at the Algarve Cup. Studied American Sign Language for two years at Stanford and would love to further her studies. Does not like chocolate. In the fall of 2007, she will be serving her third year as volunteer assistant women’s soccer coach at Stanford. In her free time, enjoys drawing, creating digital artwork. Enjoys cooking.
  
  
  

1) What are the three things you can never be without while traveling?
My Pillow, Stuffed dog, and books.

2) If you didn't play professional soccer, what other profession would you want to try?
I want to be either a graphic artist or an art therapist with kids. I have always loved art and it has been an important part of my life growing up. The ability to be creative and design things is so much fun for me. Also, working with kids is so rewarding!

3) What's your perfect day off?
Staying in my pajamas all day long and doing absolutely nothing.

4) What famous person most inspires you?
Walt Disney.

5) If you had a dinner party, who are the four people you would invite (can be living or dead)?
Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Michelangelo.

6) What is on your workout/pre-game iPod playlist?
Nothing to special. I have a very random mix of songs on my iPod and I just shuffle through.

7) What was your first job?
My first real job was stocking cards for Hallmark.

8) Do you have any pets?
Not currently.

9) When did you start playing soccer?
I started around 6-7 years old.

10) What is your favorite thing about playing soccer?
The people you meet and the friendships that form through the sport. Also that it has enabled me to travel the world.
 
11) Who is your favorite Soccer Player?
Pele.

12) Who is your favorite non-WPS team?
The US Women's National Team.

13) If you had to sell all of your possessions, what is the one thing you couldn't part with?
My Olympic Gold Medal.

14) What is something you always have in your soccer bag?
Air freshener.

15) If you were stranded on a deserted island with one of your current FC Gold Pride teammates, who would you want it to be and why?
Eriko Arakawa because she is always doing and saying funny things, so there would never be a dull moment.

Quick Hits: List your three favorites:

TV Shows:
1) Biggest Loser
2) Jon & Kate Plus 8
3) The Office

Places to Shop:
1) Target
2) Trader Joe's
3) Kohl's

Restaurants:
1) Anyplace that serves sushi
2) Thai
3) Indian

Professional Athletes:
1) Brian Westbrook
2) Chase Utley
3) Billie Jean King