D9Sports.com/EYT Media is doing a series of player profiles on returning high-school athletes this summer. The year in school listed by the athlete is the year the athlete is entering this fall.
(Submitted photo)
LAUREN ECKERT – SENIOR – ST. MARYS
Daughter of: Scott & Michelle Eckert
Sports Played: Soccer, Basketball, Track & Field
Family Members Playing/Played Sports: Nathan Eckert (Brother / Junior at SMA – Soccer and Tennis) / Hannah Eckert Senior at PSU Main. (Sister / High School – Volleyball and Track) / Michelle Eckert (Mother – Volleyball, Swimming, and Track)
2018-19 Highlights: She was named the MVP for the PA Girls vs. New York Soccer Showcase … She scored 47 goals as a junior and was named to the Northern Upper Allegheny League All-Star team … She has 99 career goals … She helped St. Marys win the District 9 Class 3A title in track and field … Finished 10th in the long jump at the D9 meet … Played in 18 games and scored 58 points in basketball.
Post-High School Plans: She plans on attending college and possibly play college soccer. She would like to be an elementary teacher.
Q&A With Lauren Eckert
D9Sports: What is your favorite sport to participate in and why?
LE: My Favorite sport is soccer. I’ve been playing since I was four years old. My Dad coached me until I played in High School. He has always been my biggest fan and pushed me to be the best player I can be. Without him, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Every Time I step on the field or receive any type of recognition for soccer, I always think of my Dad.
D9Sports: What is your favorite memory, moment, game from playing high school sports?
LE: A soccer game against our crosstown rivals. We matched up pretty evenly and it was a really intense game. Regulation ended in a tie so we went into overtime. I scored the winning goal. My teammates and I were really excited. That was pretty special.
D9Sports: Why do you play high school sports?
LE: I play because I enjoy the competition and because of my teammates. I’ve made so many strong friendships that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t play. I’ve faced so many challenges and learned so many life lessons from my teammates and coaches. They have really helped shape me into the person I am today.
D9Sports: Who has had the most influence on your athletic career and why?
LE: My parents have had the most influence on my athletic career. They are always pushing me to be the best I can be in everything I do. They try to be at all of my games supporting me and cheering me on. They are always proud of me no matter what.
D9Sports: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be and why?
LE: I can’t think of anything. I have really enjoyed my years playing.
D9Sports: If you could be president for a day, what would be the one major thing you would do?
LE: I would give brand new sporting facilities to all the schools that need them.
D9Sports: What is your ideal place to live? County, City, Suburb? Why?
LE: I love living in Elk County. My friends and I have so much fun camping/tubing/swimming/hiking/ kayaking and so much else!
D9Sports: What would someone who doesn’t know you be surprised to find out about you?
LE: Although I’m right-handed, I’m left-footed. I also can flip my eyelids inside out. It usually gets quite a reaction.
D9Sports: What is your strongest subject in school?
LE: Math is my strongest subject.
D9Sports: If there was one period in history or one event in history you could go back to, what would it be?
LE: Going to the first women’s World Cup game in 1991.
D9Sports: What question do you wish I would have asked you? And what is the answer to it?
LE: What do you look forward to every year? Answer: Going to the beach with family and friends. We have such a great time!
