Being the oldest teammate as a fifth-year senior, but only 21 years old, Lauren King often takes on the role of the softball team’s mom, doing her best to lead by example and provide advice.
“I am kind of quiet, so sometimes it is hard for me to be a vocal leader. I try to lead by example and do what I need to do,” King said.
At 8 years old, King “accidentally” began playing softball in addition to playing soccer and basketball as it was something she simply “wanted to try.” She continued to play basketball through middle school and participated on the track team early in high school, but eventually, softball became her main focus.
“I think we left a lot on the field last year. I think we had some regrets. But we have some new faces this year, and I definitely think we will be competitive and have a lot of things to prove. It’ll be a fun season,” King said.
The Eagles ended the 2021 season in fifth place in the conference standings, just shy of making the Big South Tournament (which the top four teams competed in). However, after successful games, King enjoys going out for Mexican food to celebrate with her teammates, frequently visiting Tequila, the restaurant just down the hill from Winthrop Coliseum.
Beyond creating lasting friendships with her teammates, one of King’s favorite things about being a college athlete is collecting all the gear.
“We always get clothes. I have, like, three brand new bookbags that I barely use and collect over the years. But at the same time, we have to work for these things, so I think it is always a reminder of what we have to work for,” King said.
In September of 2021, King underwent surgery on her knee, so she has been focusing on recovery these last few months before the season.
“I’m a little anxious. A lot of it for me has just been trying to get back to 100%. I don’t think I’ll really get there, but as close as I can to help the team,” King said.
King’s 26-year–old sister has been a huge inspiration to her during these trying years as a college athlete during the pandemic.
“I love the way she lives her life and interacts with people. I would love to turn out like her. She’s a flight attendant, so she’s always traveling. I’m jealous because she spends so much time in these other places. She definitely enjoys her life,” King said.
Although she does not frequently travel like her sister, King is actually an American citizen and a British citizen.
“The way it works for Britain is that you can get citizenship through your parents. My mom was born in England, so all I had to do was apply for a passport and citizenship,” King said.
Since spare time can be limited in the life of a college athlete, King loves taking naps, working out, and relaxing with her roommates whenever possible. Outside of Winthrop athletics, King is an advisory board member for the Exercise Science Club on campus.
“I help set up events and meetings. We do a lot of community service, like at Miracle Park; we helped when they opened up. We also do fun events like rock climbing in the West Center and ice skating when the rink was in downtown Rock Hill,” King said.
Currently, King is submitting applications to various graduate school programs to earn a Master of Science in either exercise science or kinesiology. As of now, attending UNC Charlotte is her top choice.
“Ideally, yes, I would like to play [softball] my first year and then hopefully pick up a grad assistantship my second year. But if that doesn’t work out, it is what it is. Eventually, I’d like to be a strength and conditioning coach, either for college or a professional team, but leaning more toward college,” King said.
