Circle of Honor inductee
Dee A. Lee
Nicole Barber, daughter of Robson Ranch residents, Robin and Jim Barber, was inducted into the University of Georgia’s Circle of Honor for the year 2017. Barber is the first softball-playing Circle of Honor inductee, an honor that can be attributed to her reputation as the first great player in the young program’s history.
“Her outstanding play helped turn Georgia from an ascendant program to the national fixture it is today,” said UGA’s Sports Communications office.
The Oregon City, Ore., native earned All-America honors in each of her final three seasons, starting in 2002, when she batted .420 and led the Bulldogs to a 59-17 record. Their NCAA Tournament appearance that year became the first in a current string of 16 consecutive seasons for the program.
Barber, who also won All-SEC honors four straight years, is the all-time leader in career stolen bases (257) and consecutive error-free games played (219) in the UGA, SEC and NCAA record books.
She also ranks fourth in NCAA history — first in both UGA and the SEC — in hits with 379; remains the only player in UGA history to collect at least 100 hits in a single season, reaching that mark in 2002 and 2004.
Other honors and activities: All American three years (second and first team), University of Georgia, Easton all American first team, All SEC 1 team four years, NCAA 100-200-300 club (100 stolen bases, 200 runs and 300 hits in career—only 21 players are on this list), still holds NCAA record for stolen bases 257, errorless games 219, consecutive stolen bases without being thrown out 73, played professional ball in Italy and two years in Washington DC for Glory, career batting average .414 (over .400 every year), played every game, USA Top 25 player list for two years, invited to Olympic training camp, two years.
Nicole currently works for Mizuno as the USA softball promotions manager. We wish Nicole the very best in her future endeavors.