Sports Locker • January/February 2025 • Lauren Verslues

What began as an opportunity to engage and make new friendships has evolved into a profound passion for running. Lauren Verslues, a senior track and cross-country athlete at Helias High School, began her track career in 5th grade and cross-country in 8th grade. Currently, she competes in the 4x400, 4x800, open 800, and 1600 events. “I love how rewarding running is and how accomplished I feel afterward. There is nothing like the feeling after you just get a PR and finish a hard track workout with your teammates.”

From an early age, Lauren has loved playing sports. “I love competing and getting to meet new people who I run against. I also love to grow and push myself to new limits I never thought possible.” What makes Lauren a great athlete is her mental resilience. “A lot of my success in running has come from being mentally strong even through the highs and the lows, including injuries.” Junior year, two weeks before districts and state, she suffered a hamstring injury. Despite the setback, she rested as much as possible and still participated in the race. She took the winter off, but as track season approached, it still wasn’t healed. “Persisting through the injury made me both frustrated and confused. I was doing everything I could, and the results still weren’t happening. As time went on, I accepted the fact that God must be trying to show me something. In the end my injury taught me how to deal with tough situations through perseverance and staying strong mentally.”

Before a big meet, Lauren talks herself through race strategies the night before. She reflects on how hard she has trained and how it has prepared her for this moment. “Positive self-talk is so important. If you believe that you can achieve your goals, then you’re more likely to succeed. As more seasons and years go by, the more I realize not to take any season for granted. I think of all the gifts and talents God has given me and I don’t want to see any of that go to waste.”

One of her most memorable moments is cross-country districts her freshman year. “I had to be top 30 to qualify for state. I remember crossing the finish line in a huge pack of people not knowing if I had made it or not. Then my mom came running up to tell me I finished 29th and qualified by 2 seconds. I will never forget that moment.”

Her parents, Rob and Leslie, have taught her how to value faith and apply it to every area of her life. She expresses gratitude for her family’s support, especially the little things, like her dad wishing her good luck at 4 a.m. before leaving the house. Her mom is her cross-country coach and has had a profound influence on the athlete she is today. “Her unwavering support, both inside and outside of the sport, inspires me to be the best I can be in sports. But I also know that at the end of the day, there is so much more to me than just my athletic abilities.”

Lauren’s parents commented on how proud they are, “Lauren is an amazing young woman who values her faith and her family. She is one of the most determined people we know, and she always gives her very best in everything she does. We could not be more proud of the young woman she has become.”

Looking to what’s ahead is one of Lauren’s strong suits. After high school, she plans to attend college and continue running cross-country and track while pursuing a degree in architecture. Her tenacity will keep her running far.