The life of a student-athlete is one that features a very hectic schedule.
From workouts to practices, college basketball players spend a lot of their time preparing for their upcoming season. That doesn't even include the rigorous academic schedule that they have to keep up with!
For Sydney Barker, her path to Chapel Hill has been a unique one. From joining the team as a walk-on to earning a scholarship from the university, Barker continues to serve as a tremendous representation for North Carolina. With some "free time" coming up in her schedule, Barker decided that instead of resting and refreshing a bit before the new school year, she would put her time to great use.
One of the biggest hearts we know 🩵
— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) July 23, 2025
Excited for Sydney heading to Vietnam with Coach For College!
📰 | https://t.co/9vjBwJ3TNf pic.twitter.com/DsOEh1C7ZI
As part of the Coach for College program, Barker will be traveling to Vietnam to run summer camps at local schools in rural areas throughout the country. Teaming up with other student-athletes from universities across the country and Vietnamese college students, Barker be teaching academic subjects to students, as she indicated that she will be teaching Biology to middle school aged students.
In a press release provided by Go Heels, Barker spoke about this life-changing opportunity:
"I'm looking forward to being with kids and helping them as well as building relationships. Also, I think I'll learn a lot about myself through this experience. The biggest thing though, is I am excited to work with the kids."
Sports can open up various opportunities for student-athletes to take advantage of. Courtney Banghart and the UNC women's basketball staff have not only recruited tremendous athletes but outstanding individuals as well, as the university as a whole aspires to set the students up for success past their time in Chapel Hill.
Barker is a prime example of a student-athlete who is making the most of her college experience. This three-week trip will be a special one, especially given that it's something she's aspired to do since she stepped foot on campus as a student for the first time a few years back.
Not many student-athletes (or even people in general) are like Sydney Barker. She is truly a special individual, one that the University of North Carolina is extremely proud to call their own.