Trending
Name: Lauren Kiser
High school: Altoona Area
Hometown: Altoona
Sport: Soccer
Position: Attacking midfield
College choice: Penn State Behrend
Other colleges considered: Bloomsburg, IUP, Clarion, Chatham, Carlow
Why I picked Penn State Behrend: "I made my final decision to attend Penn State Behrend University for many reasons. In comparison to other campuses I visited, I felt Penn State Behrend's nursing curriculum was superior. After speaking with a few members from the nursing program, I realized it was the best fit for me. Penn State Behrend's nursing program encourages student-athletes to develop into well-rounded adults. I'm confident that I'll be able to strike a good balance between academic requirements and athletic commitments. The women's soccer team at Penn State Behrend is outstanding and successful. For numerous years, they have been AMCC conference champions. Despite the fact that PSU is many miles away, it still feels like home. Penn State, I believe, is a place where I may explore interests outside of the classroom and discover who I am. I am ecstatic to begin my nursing studies at Penn State Behrend University and to play soccer at a collegiate level.''
Greatest high school achievement: "My greatest high school achievement was either winning District 6 championship three years in a row or earning 2021 Mirror Girls Soccer First-Team All-Star.''
Coach Derek Winterburn's quote: "It has been an absolute privilege to coach Lauren for the last four years at Altoona Area High School. She is a great example of what it means to be a student-athlete, going above and beyond both on and off the field -- from the high level conversations about upcoming opponents to conversations about life outside the game. She has been a leader and role model for players in our program throughout her career and without a doubt will be extremely successful in her journey at Penn State Behrend and beyond.''
How I got my start playing soccer: "When I was approximately 5 years old, I began playing soccer. I played in the American Youth Soccer Organization. I've been in love with soccer since the first day I started playing. I put in a lot of hard work and effort to get to where I am now, and it's great to see it pay off now that I'll be competing at the collegiate level.''
Favorite college growing up: Penn State
Other interests: Track and field, spending time with friends and family, working two part-time jobs, skiing, traveling to the beach
What getting to play in college means to me: "Playing soccer in college means a lot to me. It simply means that collegiate soccer is a considerable step up from high school and club soccer. In college, the finest compete in intercollegiate soccer. Playing soccer in college will help build my character and friendships that will last forever. It will continue teach me how to win and lose, what teamwork is all about, and teach me hard work, dedication and discipline.''
Probable college major: Nursing
Parents: Lisa and Steve Kiser