Soccer is not a new thing for senior Lauren Coon; she has been involved with the sport ever since she was a kid. Throughout the years, it has become an integral part of her life, creating a lifetime of memories and fun that will stick with her forever.
“I have been playing soccer since I was four,” Coon said. “I started playing AYSO at that age, and my parents were my coaches.”
Throughout the years, Lauren has played for many club teams, including AYSO, Rapids, Rangers, and the FHC varsity team. All of these teams have contributed to her success as a soccer player over the years, offering a new set of memories and friends along the way.
“My favorite soccer memory is traveling to Florida with my Rangers club team,” Coon said. “We played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and it was such a fun time to spend with my teammates while competing against teams from across the country.”
Like most club players, Lauren decided to make the jump and give high school sports a try when she reached 9th grade. It’s not easy leaving your club team and friends, who most of the time do not go to your school, but it was a risk she was willing to take. So far, high school soccer has been an amazing switch for Lauren.
“I decided to play high school soccer because I love the friendships that are made through the team as well as the experience of playing high-level soccer,” Coon said. “High school soccer season is my favorite time of year as I love the team bonding and the joy of playing with my team.”
Throughout the four years, Lauren has been on the high school team, there have been many memories and good times. Compiling multiple trophies including a state title, regional titles, and multiple district titles. Along with many key rivalry wins, Lauren even helped the team by starting as an underclassman.
However, for Lauren, one of these stands out among the rest.
“My favorite high school soccer memory is winning the state championship freshman year,” Coon said. “It was a great experience and such a fun atmosphere playing at MSU. Winning with my team was a very special moment for me.”
As Lauren approaches her final season as a senior, she looks to continue to make the most of her soccer career, even with the time dwindling. With her long career, there have been numerous things that she will come to miss because of how amazing soccer has been to her, but a couple of things stick out the most that Lauren will miss the most when her soccer career is over after her senior season this year.
“I will miss the late-night home games against rival teams. Those games are the most exciting and intense to play in, and I love the atmosphere of our home field.” Coon said. “I also will miss the feeling of winning a game after our team puts in so much hard work and plays together as a unit rather than as individuals. It always feels great to get a win, especially when we’re in the playoffs. I also love how many new friends I have met and the bonds that have been made through soccer, as well as the fun times we’ve had together during practices and games.”
