With the Class of 2025 approaching their graduation, we take a moment to spotlight one graduating senior who embodies the very essence of a Student Athlete Scholar (SAS). Alex Barbu, a student at Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois, has shown great achievements in both his athletic and academic pursuits. His story is a testament to the success that comes from discipline, hard work, and a passion for excellence, reinforcing the goal of SAS; to support high-achieving students in gaining recognition from top colleges.
On the Field:
Ever since the tender age of five, Alex has demonstrated a great love for soccer, devoting countless hours to the sport as a member of the club soccer community. His drive and relentless pursuit of excellence came to fruition when he scored the decisive goal during the past Boys Soccer Season, thereby solidifying Hinsdale Central High School’s Soccer Team as the Western Conference Champions. This win provided an entry-point into the post-season playoffs, where they triumphed and ultimately secured the 3rd place in the IL State Championship.
In the Classroom:
Just as impressive as his athletic achievements, Alex’s academic dedication shines. Despite the rigorous training schedule, he managed to balance five AP classes and maintain memberships in the National Honors Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. His outstanding academic performance was recognized by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA), securing him the honor of being an Academic All-Sectional Player.
Looking Ahead:
Come fall, Alex will attend the University of Texas Austin where he will major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Robotics. We have no doubt that Alex’s commitment to excellence will drive his success in higher education and beyond. Just as SAS encourages mentorship, we believe the experiences and wisdom Alex has gathered will inspire the younger generation of student athletes who aim to follow in his footsteps.
As we celebrate the exemplar journey of Alex, it is a reaffirmation of SAS’s mentorship program, application strategies, and community-building initiatives. Alex’s success serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for future SAS members to navigate their athletic and academic career arduously and with great latitude.
We extend our hearty congratulations to Alex Barbu and wish him every success on his journey ahead. The accomplished student athlete scholar once said, “Burnout is not an option”, reinforcing SAS’s mantra to balance athletics and academics successfully, a lesson all can embody. The SAS community will be looking forward to his future accomplishments.
