Northwestern University Athletics
Dear Northwestern: Lauren Clem
7/11/2018 10:42:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Dear Northwestern,
As I packed up my life in Evanston and said my goodbyes to coaches, teammates, lifelong friends, the beautiful campus, and my time at Northwestern, I knew there was one more place I wanted to visit. I stepped onto the soccer field one last time to enjoy the view of the Chicago skyline from the goal. The memories came one after another, and I couldn't help but smile.
My first memory as a first year on this field came during Navy Seal-inspired training. I remember standing in perfect rows and perfect columns, working as one unit while we did jumping jacks and mountain climbers until we reached 15 perfect minutes. After an hour of work and quickly doubting my ability to do any of it, I looked up and noticed the rest of my team battling, saw their drive to dig deep, and I found myself looking out across the field at the beautiful skyline and thinking, 'How lucky am I?'
I quickly realized I had committed to something that would help me more than I had ever expected. Little did I know how big of an impact this team, this university, and the amazing people I would meet along the way would have on the rest of my life.
Thank you to my coaches for believing in me during the recruiting process. You introduced me to a family and helped me call this place home. You guided me through one of my most life-changing times and helped me grow into the woman I am today, both on and off the soccer field. This program was taken from being at the bottom of the Big Ten to the best team in program history and top-20 in the country. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.
Thank you to Dr. Phillips, Janna Blais, Jane Wagner, the academic advisors, and the entire staff for investing in every person who joins the Northwestern family eager to find their passion. You are the hardworking individuals who never lose faith in us as we tackle every challenge in the classroom or on the field, court or mat. We are able to compete for championships and earn our degrees because of you.
Thank you to my teammates for an unforgettable journey. We went into battle each and every day, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. The love, support, and commitment to improve only helped us find greater success. It was all worth it when we beat Illinois in double overtime and held up the Big Ten trophy together. Good luck next season and keep taking this team to even bigger heights.
Thank you to my family and my hometown for being my everything. Thanks to my siblings for never taking it easy on me as we competed in everything but always found a way to bring out the best in each other. Thanks to my parents for showing me the value of working hard towards my goals, but more importantly, for showing me the strength to get back up and try again after each failure. I wouldn't be where I am today without you.
Last but not least, thank you, Northwestern, for exceeding my expectations. Thank you for the never-ending support and the number of amazing resources available that let me experience an internship and time abroad, kept me on track to earn my degree, and prepared me for my future career. Thank you for giving me a platform to showcase my ability, to learn so much about myself, and to meet so many incredible people that made my college experience something special.
Now as a graduated senior looking back, I realize I wouldn't have been able to do any of this alone. The best memories are filled with celebrating with the team on bus rides after victories, "Hellos" from the staff the second you walk into Anderson, "Thank Yous" from the community when you give back through outreach programs, cheering from the fans at every game, home or away, and so many more.
Northwestern gave me all of this. How lucky am I?
Very lucky, and very thankful.
Sincerely,
Lauren Clem
Northwestern Women's Soccer
As I packed up my life in Evanston and said my goodbyes to coaches, teammates, lifelong friends, the beautiful campus, and my time at Northwestern, I knew there was one more place I wanted to visit. I stepped onto the soccer field one last time to enjoy the view of the Chicago skyline from the goal. The memories came one after another, and I couldn't help but smile.
My first memory as a first year on this field came during Navy Seal-inspired training. I remember standing in perfect rows and perfect columns, working as one unit while we did jumping jacks and mountain climbers until we reached 15 perfect minutes. After an hour of work and quickly doubting my ability to do any of it, I looked up and noticed the rest of my team battling, saw their drive to dig deep, and I found myself looking out across the field at the beautiful skyline and thinking, 'How lucky am I?'
I quickly realized I had committed to something that would help me more than I had ever expected. Little did I know how big of an impact this team, this university, and the amazing people I would meet along the way would have on the rest of my life.
Thank you to my coaches for believing in me during the recruiting process. You introduced me to a family and helped me call this place home. You guided me through one of my most life-changing times and helped me grow into the woman I am today, both on and off the soccer field. This program was taken from being at the bottom of the Big Ten to the best team in program history and top-20 in the country. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.
Thank you to Dr. Phillips, Janna Blais, Jane Wagner, the academic advisors, and the entire staff for investing in every person who joins the Northwestern family eager to find their passion. You are the hardworking individuals who never lose faith in us as we tackle every challenge in the classroom or on the field, court or mat. We are able to compete for championships and earn our degrees because of you.
Thank you to my teammates for an unforgettable journey. We went into battle each and every day, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. The love, support, and commitment to improve only helped us find greater success. It was all worth it when we beat Illinois in double overtime and held up the Big Ten trophy together. Good luck next season and keep taking this team to even bigger heights.
Thank you to my family and my hometown for being my everything. Thanks to my siblings for never taking it easy on me as we competed in everything but always found a way to bring out the best in each other. Thanks to my parents for showing me the value of working hard towards my goals, but more importantly, for showing me the strength to get back up and try again after each failure. I wouldn't be where I am today without you.
Last but not least, thank you, Northwestern, for exceeding my expectations. Thank you for the never-ending support and the number of amazing resources available that let me experience an internship and time abroad, kept me on track to earn my degree, and prepared me for my future career. Thank you for giving me a platform to showcase my ability, to learn so much about myself, and to meet so many incredible people that made my college experience something special.
Now as a graduated senior looking back, I realize I wouldn't have been able to do any of this alone. The best memories are filled with celebrating with the team on bus rides after victories, "Hellos" from the staff the second you walk into Anderson, "Thank Yous" from the community when you give back through outreach programs, cheering from the fans at every game, home or away, and so many more.
Northwestern gave me all of this. How lucky am I?
Very lucky, and very thankful.
Sincerely,
Lauren Clem
Northwestern Women's Soccer
Players Mentioned
GK
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