Written and interviewed by Matt Queen.
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine— Lauryn Fagan is Southern Maine Community College’s (SMCC) female student-athlete spotlight of December. At five feet, nine inches tall, Fagan is a power forward that utilizes her length and agility for an edge over her opponents in the low post. As a first-year member of the women’s basketball program, Fagan averages 8.8 minutes per game, but when she gets her opportunity she seizes it. “Bringing energy to the team, encouraging teammates, pushing them to play hard, and hyping up the bench is something I take pride in, and when my name gets called, I take advantage of it.”
Finishing her first semester at SMCC, I asked Fagan what her plans were after graduation. Her response was “my dream is to go to St. Joe’s.” A nursing major, Fagan can’t wait to work in the field. She awaits the PACS test in 2019, and with a passing grade, intends to transfer to St. Joseph’s College of Maine. Why nursing? Fagan said, “When I was a high school senior, everyone was scrambling, I did a ton of research and really enjoy the satisfaction of caring for people in need.”
From Standish, Maine and a graduate of Bonny Eagle High School, Fagan has spent most of her life playing sports. During her time in high school, she managed to play volleyball, softball, basketball, and cheerleading. As much as she loves basketball, she told me her true passion is volleyball. Fagan has also participated in the Miss Maine Teen pageant and is gearing up to so again in the coming year.
Staying committed to not only herself and her teammates, but her academics is something Lauryn takes great pride in. Currently sporting a 3.5 grade point average, Fagan stays focused and directed by keeping a list of everything she does. “Staying organized and keeping a specific order of how I get things done is my tactic in managing time.”
Talking about chemistry, Fagan said there’s a special bond amongst this women’s basketball team. In preparation for games, everyone is devoted and encouraging—pushing one another to fulfill their potential. Off the court, Fagan explained the bonding experiences really do make a difference—bowling is a favorite. Lauryn explained, “It rejuvenates the team when we’re all out having fun and getting to know a little more about each other.”
The team also goes to great lengths to study the opponent, making sure a game plan is in place puts the Lady SeaWolves in the best position to succeed. Fagan went on about how staying true to the approach is vital, “If we want to win, we cannot veer away from the task at hand. The results will show.”
Finally, I asked Fagan if there’s one player herself and the team rally around, her answer was junior co-captain Jordan Farquharson. She explained, “Jordan has a great vision of the court, she’s such a well-rounded player. As a captain and her commitment to the team is unmatched.” Fagan has such high praise for not only Jordan, but her teammates and the coaching staff. It was very important to Lauryn’s experience at SMCC to be involved with athletics. Fagan is in elite company as one of few two-sport athletes at SMCC, also a member of the softball program. “When you’re having fun and not being negative, you’ll succeed both on the court and in the classroom.”
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