Involvement Spans Beyond the Soccer Field for Lauren Hammond

You have heard all the clichés about how time consuming college athletics are, but for some it is simply not an issue. University of Tampa student Lauren Hammond falls into that category. This has led her to become very active around the community and a key ingredient for the defending NCAA Division II champion Spartans women's soccer team.

No one said the road would be easy however, and Hammond is aware of that. "It's definitely difficult," says the sophomore. "I love soccer and the team but I had to adjust."

This year, the Tennessee native holds the position of vice president for Campus Crusade, an on campus ministry group. Part of her duties for Campus Crusade include being their representative for UT's Student Government once a week. Hammond was a part of the group last year, and had a hand in helping the group expand from 10 members last year, to 30 currently. "It was really cool to be apart of something that has grown so much," she said.

Part of the expansion that Hammond plans for the group, is to use the NFL's upcoming Super Bowl in February which is being held in here in Tampa to gain support from the community for the group's homeless outreach programs. She is working with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Amazing Grace, a homeless ministry, to coordinate the programs.

Several of the other programs currently under work are on campus affairs. For instance, the group is working on having a 1980's style Sadie Hawkins dance for students. Hammond also takes time out to teach bible study classes. Although she has not been able to much during the season, she has found time for a few, and looks to pick up more classes during the spring semester.

So how are these off-field activities affecting her play for the reigning N.C.A.A. Division II women's soccer champions? In the early season, the Spartan defender has played in all six games and has earned over 500 minutes while obtaining two assists.

When describing how Hammond's off-field activities impacted her play she responded, "Once I found Campus Crusade, I had an awesome spring semester and got pumped for fall (semester) and the season."

Hammond's community involvement did not being in college however. She was very active during her high school years at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tenn. She served as vice president for the school's Beta club, an honor society, and was involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Young Life.

The service does not stop there either. She was the secretary for a local community service club and accumulated over 70 community service hours during her senior year. All while finding time to play varsity soccer and varsity track.

Once again Hammond's off-field activities did not affect her athletics as she helped her track team win the state championship, set the school record in the 4-by-400 meter relay, and earned a soccer scholarship to play at the University of Tampa.

As far as grades go, Hammond keeps up with her schoolwork in the midst of all her responsibilities. Last year as a freshman, she made the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll, and looks to doing so again this year. As Hammond's college career continues, one can only assume that this Spartan will be a standout both on and off the field.

Written by Adrian Martinez