“Soccer is something that I’ve always loved. It’s the sport I grew up playing and just never stopped,” said Lauren DeBeau, alumna and Michigan State University (MSU) soccer player.

DeBeau kicked off her soccer career at five-years-old. She played four years on the high school team and earned her status as captain in her junior and senior years. This position provided her with a leadership experience and molded DeBeau into a role model for others.

“It’s not just about being the most vocal; just lead by example,” DeBeau said. “Just do your work and usually people will follow.” 

In addition to playing for the Eagle’s soccer team, DeBeau was the varsity point guard for the basketball team for four years and a captain for her last two. 

“What stood out to me with her as an athlete is she did things that I’ve never seen done on a basketball court by a female basketball player. She had this ability to take over a basketball game,” DeBeau’s high school basketball coach Michael Satawa said.

Despite her aspirations to play college basketball, DeBeau found more opportunities with soccer, which led to her journey at Central Michigan University. After two years, DeBeau decided to transfer to MSU after the coach who recruited her at Central left. Growing up a Spartan fan with an alumna as a mother, DeBeau loved MSU. However, it wasn’t until after transferring when she fell in love with the community.

“I’ve made so many friends on the football, basketball and womens volleyball teams. It’s a whole community; it really is a great college and I’m glad I got to finish up here,” DeBeau said.

The team bonding on and off the field make up her favorite memories of college soccer. 

“When you’re playing, the more chemistry you have, the more you know a player and what kind of paths they tend to make. Just knowing your team in the end really helps you and takes you far,” DeBeau said.

In addition to her on-field accomplishments, DeBeau’s off-field accolades include recognition by the College Sports Communications for Academic All-District. Finding the balance between school, social time and soccer was the biggest struggle. Currently, DeBeau majors in Human Resources and minors in Leadership with a 3.52 GPA. She is debating her soccer future and considering entering the draft.

“I had a very good journey with soccer,” DeBeau said. “I’ve been doing this for a while and I met a ton of great people through club season, then high school and then a bunch of colleges; so I wouldn’t change a single thing about it.”