Lauren Carothers '22 Recruiting Profile

Coach, it is fun to think about college.  And exciting to imagine playing soccer in college.  If I had to say what it is about why I wanted to play soccer in college, its because I love this game simply because I never stop learning.  The more I learn and challenge myself, the more I work to improve.  And when I challenge myself, the game doesn't get easier.  I'd like to think I just get better.  That's what drives me to pursue next level play. 

I've been playing soccer since I was 6 with my home club, South Mississippi Soccer Club, in Gulfport, MS.  I have been a member of the SMSC Elite 2003 girls team since I was 8. I play locally and regionally and can't get enough of it! My club team coach is fantastic.  His name is Chris Handy.  I love playing for him.  He is currently the head coach of the men's team at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  We are already running college level sessions and I know that's what I love.  I play mostly midfield in both the attacking and defending roles.  But I also run in at defense when necessary.

I attend Gulfport High School and have started as a freshman for my varsity squad. My Coach is Chris Pryor. I play defender and attacker.  That's fun.  Playing attacker is neat because I get to think as an attacker.  Now, as a defender, I will know what they are thinking on the attack.  Mostly, coach has me playing wing back.  That's exciting because I can get involved in the attack. Check out my video. That goal was exciting!  

My dad says I may be 110 pounds, but I have the attitude of a 150 pound gorilla on the field, with a warm loveable little fuzzball personality off the pitch.  I think that's funny. 

I love my teams and my teammates.  I can't wait to be there. I realize that the only person that truly knows if I gave it my all is me! Every game my goal is to make sure my teammates know that I gave everything I've got.  If they know that, then maybe I can inspire them to play harder.  That feeling of pouring everything into a game is awesome.  And being surrounded by a team with that kind of attitude is what is most important to me.

I have a great little brother.  He also plays soccer.  He's super.  A goober sometimes, but a great brother.  I go watch his games every chance I get.  He also referees.  I did that for a couple years and learned a lot about the rules. But I'd rather focus on playing.  My dad also referees a lot.  He loves this game and has been involved as a player, coach and a referee for a long time.  He loves to tell stories.  I think he makes up a lot of those crazy stories.  But I do know he loves soccer.  My mother is a huge fan.  She makes me laugh when she yells on the sideline.  I don't think she knows what she's talking about sometimes.  But its fun. 

Coach, can I ask you some questions?  I'm learning about all this, so I'm curious mostly about what you look for in a player?  How do coaches look for players? Also, as a student athlete, will my team help with things like study classes and have any ways to assist me with my classes if I need help and work around training? I've heard how busy it is.