University of North Carolina Athletics
Meet The Freshman: Paul Barton
January 18, 2022 | Men's Lacrosse
CHAPEL HILL – We are back with the seventh installment of our "Meet the Freshman" series for the 2021 incoming class. This week, we highlight Palo Alto, Calif. native Paul Barton.
Barton is an Inside Lacrosse Top 100 recruit, ranked 19th in the class, top-five ranked defensemen by Inside Lacrosse, and 2021 Under Armor All-America.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Barton: I started playing lacrosse in third grade and what got me into it was that my godfather played lacrosse. My dad played football at UNC, and he was always around the lacrosse players, so a lot of his buddies helped me out. A family friend also helped me out a lot when I was playing lacrosse growing up.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Barton: I chose to come to UNC because I've grown up a Tar Heel fan, and it's always been my dream school. I love the colors, the coaches, and the balance between athletics and academics. Also, the social life is good. I've been able to meet a lot of great people outside of the team. Those are some of the main reasons why I chose to come here.
Clifton: Of course, men's lacrosse in Division-I and the ACC is the best that you can get in collegiate men's lacrosse. Talk about what excites you about playing on that stage?
Barton: I am fired up, and it's going to be fun. Every game is a big one in college, especially when you get to ACC play. We played a few good teams a year in high school, and I remember how excited I was to play in those big matchups. I also have some buddies from other schools who I'm excited to see and compete against.
Clifton: Who are some of your teammates you have worked with who have helped you get better?
Barton: My roommate Dewey Egan has been excellent. He's probably one of the hardest workers I have ever seen, and just seeing how he works has helped me. I have even tried to mirror everything he does and improve my game like him. He has been one of those guys that have shown me what it takes to be great. Cooper Frankenheimer is another guy that's helped out, but honestly, all of the freshmen have been great to work with. I would have to say that Dewey and Cooper are the main two who have helped out the most so far.
Clifton: What has your interaction been like with teammates and coaches since you have been on campus?
Barton: Since the start of when we got here, all of my teammates have been super welcoming, and everyone was willing to help. Especially at the beginning when all of the new guys were trying to learn the defense. Even though they are fighting for playing time and a spot, all of the older guys are willing to help out the freshman and build the program together. I think that's a representation of the philosophy of our coaching staff because we follow the mantra "Family, Academics, Lacrosse." Coach Breschi, Coach Metzbower, Coach U, and Coach Fox are looking to build the program together and not just focus on the guys playing all the time.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Barton: Well, I'm tall, so I bring a lot of length and off-ball support. When I encounter on-ball situations, I try to win my matchup as much as possible. I'm the type of player who likes to break out for passes, create transition opportunities, and flow from defense to offense because that's where I can make the most plays.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Barton: I could eat a burrito or burrito bowl from Chipotle every day. I already eat Chipotle about five to six times a week anyway.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Barton: I would like to meet George Kittle. He's my favorite player on the San Francisco 49er. I also like his energy, spirit, and work ethic. It would be cool to meet him and ask him what he does in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season.
Clifton: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
Barton: I would probably say Chris Nicholas because he does things that will make the whole team laugh. Maxwell Cooney is another guy that keeps me laughing. I don't know how but he knows almost every movie quote, and it's hilarious when he mentions some.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Barton: As a team, I hope to win as many games, ACC Championships as possible, then ultimately win a National Championship as well. I think everyone chose UNC for the academics, but mainly it gives them a place to compete and have the opportunity to win a National Championship. You can see how guys come to practice and how hard they are willing to work outside of practice. From an individual perspective, I would probably say be the best player I can be. I also want to be a good team player because I want guys to look back and say that I was a good player and a good teammate as well as on and off the field.
Barton is an Inside Lacrosse Top 100 recruit, ranked 19th in the class, top-five ranked defensemen by Inside Lacrosse, and 2021 Under Armor All-America.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Barton: I started playing lacrosse in third grade and what got me into it was that my godfather played lacrosse. My dad played football at UNC, and he was always around the lacrosse players, so a lot of his buddies helped me out. A family friend also helped me out a lot when I was playing lacrosse growing up.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Barton: I chose to come to UNC because I've grown up a Tar Heel fan, and it's always been my dream school. I love the colors, the coaches, and the balance between athletics and academics. Also, the social life is good. I've been able to meet a lot of great people outside of the team. Those are some of the main reasons why I chose to come here.
Clifton: Of course, men's lacrosse in Division-I and the ACC is the best that you can get in collegiate men's lacrosse. Talk about what excites you about playing on that stage?
Barton: I am fired up, and it's going to be fun. Every game is a big one in college, especially when you get to ACC play. We played a few good teams a year in high school, and I remember how excited I was to play in those big matchups. I also have some buddies from other schools who I'm excited to see and compete against.
Clifton: Who are some of your teammates you have worked with who have helped you get better?
Barton: My roommate Dewey Egan has been excellent. He's probably one of the hardest workers I have ever seen, and just seeing how he works has helped me. I have even tried to mirror everything he does and improve my game like him. He has been one of those guys that have shown me what it takes to be great. Cooper Frankenheimer is another guy that's helped out, but honestly, all of the freshmen have been great to work with. I would have to say that Dewey and Cooper are the main two who have helped out the most so far.
Clifton: What has your interaction been like with teammates and coaches since you have been on campus?
Barton: Since the start of when we got here, all of my teammates have been super welcoming, and everyone was willing to help. Especially at the beginning when all of the new guys were trying to learn the defense. Even though they are fighting for playing time and a spot, all of the older guys are willing to help out the freshman and build the program together. I think that's a representation of the philosophy of our coaching staff because we follow the mantra "Family, Academics, Lacrosse." Coach Breschi, Coach Metzbower, Coach U, and Coach Fox are looking to build the program together and not just focus on the guys playing all the time.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Barton: Well, I'm tall, so I bring a lot of length and off-ball support. When I encounter on-ball situations, I try to win my matchup as much as possible. I'm the type of player who likes to break out for passes, create transition opportunities, and flow from defense to offense because that's where I can make the most plays.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Barton: I could eat a burrito or burrito bowl from Chipotle every day. I already eat Chipotle about five to six times a week anyway.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Barton: I would like to meet George Kittle. He's my favorite player on the San Francisco 49er. I also like his energy, spirit, and work ethic. It would be cool to meet him and ask him what he does in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season.
Clifton: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
Barton: I would probably say Chris Nicholas because he does things that will make the whole team laugh. Maxwell Cooney is another guy that keeps me laughing. I don't know how but he knows almost every movie quote, and it's hilarious when he mentions some.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Barton: As a team, I hope to win as many games, ACC Championships as possible, then ultimately win a National Championship as well. I think everyone chose UNC for the academics, but mainly it gives them a place to compete and have the opportunity to win a National Championship. You can see how guys come to practice and how hard they are willing to work outside of practice. From an individual perspective, I would probably say be the best player I can be. I also want to be a good team player because I want guys to look back and say that I was a good player and a good teammate as well as on and off the field.
Players Mentioned
Defenseman
/ Men's Lacrosse
Defenseman
/ Men's Lacrosse
Attackman
/ Men's Lacrosse
Defensive Midfielder
/ Men's Lacrosse
Midfielder
/ Men's LacrosseUNC Baseball: Chapel Hill Regional - Post-VCU Press Conference - May 29, 2026
Saturday, May 30
Chapel Hill Regional - Game 2 - VCU Press Conference
Saturday, May 30
Chapel Hill Regional - Game 1 - ECU Press Conference
Friday, May 29
Chapel Hill Regional - Game 1 - Tennessee Press Conference
Friday, May 29