Lauren Slattery '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Lauren Slattery, I went into High School track season with no experience. With a background in gymnastics I had lots of strength that helps me in track. Learning hand-offs, to how to properly land for long jump, to soon competing triple jump always keeps track entertaining and makes me want to practice even more. 

With the only experience of my Freshman year, I have come a long way. The first couple of meets I competed long jump landing on my feet because I was unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the idea of a proper landing. Still having 14’ 4” as my first ever jump in long jump, I was determined to jump farther. As each meet went on, my distance would get longer and longer. Learning techniques and landing ways helped me with that gradual growth. Jv Conference was my first actual moment where I had seen that I have talent. Jumping 16’ 4.5” was the moment where I really spiked. Moving from JV to Varsity I was determined not to let myself down because I had a moment that I can’t take back. Going to regionals with the adrenaline pumping, I jumped 16’ 7.5” sending me to sectionals. Sectionals was a lot of pressure, having my final jump max out at 16’ 10”, I was in third place. The last girl I was competing against jumped, and beat me. Bumping me down to fourth place and not qualified to go to state. She went on to win state, and although I was upset about not competing in state, she competed very well which won her that first place. My Freshman year was very exciting and even though it was my first I have so much to still achieve.

Getting beat out only drives me harder, this will allow me to guide myself to the top. My goal for my upcoming year is to get top 5 in the state. I will do this by constant training and having that reminder in the back of my mind that I got beat out freshman year. My Sophomore season was sadly canceled my COVID-19 but just you wait for junior year to strike. My goals are to go to a school where they have as much passion as I do to help strengthen me as a long jumper.